Hoard (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hoard is a card game released in 2014 by Cheeky Parrot Games. It is designed for 2 to 6 players and has a runtime of 10 to 45 minutes. The game is set in a fantasy world and involves elements of hand management, memory, push your luck, score-and-reset game, and set collection. The game is aimed at players aged 6 and above and was designed by Tim Kings-Lynne and Julia Schiller, with artwork by Tim Kings-Lynne.

Game Components of Hoard

12 facedown cards surrounding the dragon

Dice for rolling (values 1-5)

Treasure cards

Player tokens and associated components

How To Setup Hoard

To set up Hoard, players arrange 12 facedown cards around a central dragon figure. Each player selects a token and places it at the starting position. The treasure cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game board, which is composed of these cards, changes dynamically as players remove and replace cards during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of treasure cards.

Hand Management: Players manage their hand of cards carefully to maximize their treasure collection.

Dice Rolling: Dice rolls between 1-5 determine movement and actions.

Objective: The goal is to collect as much treasure as possible before the dragon wakes up, ending the game.

Player Experience

In Hoard, players navigate around the dragon’s hoard, carefully collecting sets of treasure while avoiding actions that might wake the dragon. The game requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck, as dice rolls can significantly impact player movements and actions. The dynamic board, which changes as cards are removed and replaced, adds an element of unpredictability to the game.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of set collection, hand management, and dice rolling creates an engaging and interactive gameplay experience.

Dynamic Board: The changing board keeps the game fresh and challenging.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a range of ages due to its simple yet strategic gameplay.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls can introduce a significant element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Limited Player Count: While it supports up to 5 players, the game is best with fewer players for more focused gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Hoard

Hoard is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers who enjoy light to medium complexity games. It’s ideal for those who like strategic gameplay with a touch of luck. The game’s theme and mechanics make it accessible to new players, while the dynamic elements keep it interesting for more experienced gamers. However, players seeking highly complex or competitive games might find Hoard a bit too light.

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