Knarr (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Knarr is an abstract strategy card game designed by Thomas Dupont and published by Bombyx. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 4 players. The game features hand management, open drafting, race, and set collection mechanics, providing players with a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Knarr

Main Board: Features a score track, a zigzag reputation track, and column headers for the five card colors.

Viking Cards: Two tiers of cards – utility (resources) and glory (points) – arranged by color.

Destination Cards: Land cards for trading or influence, divided into two decks.

Player Boards: Each player has a ship board with three semicircular notches for recruits and bracelets.

Tokens: Recruit tokens, silver bracelet tokens, and scoring markers.

First Player Tokens: Optional tokens to choose the first player.

How To Setup Knarr

Setup is straightforward and quick. Place the main board on the table, shuffle the two decks of destination cards, and reveal three cards from each deck above the board. Prepare the Viking cards according to the player count, deal three cards to each player, and reveal five more below the board in designated spaces. Each player receives a ship board, three recruit tokens, and three silver bracelet tokens. Players start with two different colored cards face-up in their crew zone.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of a Reputation phase where players gain points based on their reputation track, followed by choosing to either Recruit or Explore.

Recruit: Play a card from your hand to your crew area, gaining resources indicated on the card and all matching color cards. Draw a new card from the corresponding color column or use a recruit token to draw from any column.

Explore: Choose a destination card, pay the cost with recruited crew cards or recruit tokens, and gain the assets shown on the card.

Trade: Option to trade bracelets for resources shown on the destination cards.

Game Objective: The game is a race to 40 points. The player with the most points wins, with ties broken by the number of recruits and silver bracelets remaining.

Player Experience

**Knarr** is a fast-paced game that lasts 15-30 minutes, making it an excellent filler. Players enjoy the quick turns and the strategic depth of managing their Viking crew and exploration cards. The game requires balancing between building a strong engine of Viking cards and dismantling it to explore new lands, which adds a layer of complexity and satisfaction. The simple rules make it easy to learn and teach, but the game is not devoid of strategy, as players must make tactical decisions each turn.

Pros

Quick and Easy to Learn: Setup and gameplay are swift and straightforward.

Strategic Depth: Balancing engine-building and exploration provides a challenging and engaging experience.

Multiple Strategies: Players can adopt various strategies, such as focusing on reputation or cultivating card stacks.

Compact: The game comes in a small box, making it easy to transport and store.

Great Filler Game: Ideal for short gaming sessions.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: The game could become repetitive with frequent plays.

Luck of the Cards: The availability of cards can significantly impact strategy and outcome.

Limited Interaction: Players have minimal direct interaction with each other.

Icon Size: Some players find the icons on the cards too small.

Personal Thoughts on Knarr

**Knarr** is perfect for those who enjoy quick, strategic card games with a touch of luck. It is an excellent addition to any collection, especially for fans of set collection and engine-building games. The game’s brevity and ease of learning make it accessible to new players, while its strategic depth keeps experienced gamers engaged. Whether you’re looking for a filler game or a short, intense gaming experience, **Knarr** delivers a satisfying and enjoyable ride.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.