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Fate of the Elder Gods (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Fate of the Elder Gods is a board game released in 2017, designed by Lucas Durham, Chad Hoverter, Christopher Kirkman, and Darrell Louder. The game is set in a world of Lovecraftian horror, where players take on the role of cultists trying to summon ancient Elder Gods to bring about the end of the world.

Game Components of Fate of the Elder Gods

  • Player Sheets (Lodges):** Each player has a Lodge sheet for tracking progress and managing resources.
  • Cultist Figures:** Representing the cult members, these figures are moved around the board to activate various locations.
  • Spell Cards:** These cards have symbols on their backs that allow for movement and spell casting. They also contain extensive spell text and symbol costs.
  • Investigator Figures:** These figures are placed on the board and can raid players’ Lodges.
  • Elder God Sheets:** Each Elder God has unique abilities that can be activated during the game.
  • Dice:** Used for resolving Raids and sacrifices.
  • Artifact Cards:** Include items like the Necronomicon and the Amulet of Nephren-Ka.
  • Monster Tokens and Cards (from the Beasts From Beyond expansion):** Introduce new creatures like the Mi-Go, Dark Young, and Shoggoth.

    How To Setup Fate of the Elder Gods

    To set up the game, players first prepare their Lodges by placing their Cultist figures and setting up their Summoning track. Each player chooses an Elder God to summon and places the corresponding sheet. The board is set up with various locations, and the Spell cards are shuffled and distributed. Investigators are placed at designated spots on the board. For the Beasts From Beyond expansion, players also set up the Monster cards and tokens, shuffling them and placing them near the altar.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Summoning Track:** Players aim to advance their token on the Summoning track to be the first to summon their Elder God.
  • Spell Card Management:** Players use Spell cards for movement and spell casting, managing the symbols on the backs of the cards.
  • Cultist Placement:** Cultists are moved to different locations on the board to activate abilities and cast spells.
  • Investigator Mechanic:** Activating locations can summon Investigators, who can raid players’ Lodges and hinder progress.
  • Dice Rolling:** Used to resolve Raids and sacrifices.
  • Artifact and Curse Usage:** Players can use artifacts and curses to enhance their strategy.
  • Monster Summoning (from the Beasts From Beyond expansion):** Players can summon mythical creatures to aid their quest.

    Player Experience

    The game starts slowly as players get accustomed to the card management and strategic placement of Cultists. However, it quickly becomes engaging with numerous decisions to make at each turn. The game rewards both careful planning and adaptive strategies, allowing players to shift their approach as opportunities arise. The variety of spells, artifacts, and Elder God abilities ensures high replayability.

    Pros

  • High Replayability:** Diverse spells, artifacts, and Elder God abilities.
  • Deep Strategy:** Multiple layers of decision-making.
  • Thematic Immersion:** Strong Lovecraftian theme with moody artwork and fitting components.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Players can adapt strategies mid-game.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Can lead to analysis paralysis due to many decisions.
  • Card Dependency:** The game’s outcome is significantly influenced by card draws.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** Initial setup and rules can be overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on Fate of the Elder Gods

    **Fate of the Elder Gods** is ideal for fans of Lovecraftian horror and strategic board games. It is suited for experienced gamers who enjoy deep, complex gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game’s thematic depth and variety of interactions make it a compelling choice for those seeking a challenging yet immersive gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward gameplay mechanics.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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