Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile (2021) Board Game

Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile is a board game designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Leder Games in in 2021. It is a game of political intrigue, territory-building, and negotiation set in a fantasy world. The game has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive storytelling elements.

Game Components of Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile

Game board

Player boards

Cards (suits, visions, and relics)

Tokens (favor, relic, and site)

Dice

Rulebook

How To Setup Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a player board and takes the corresponding components.

Shuffle the cards and place them in their designated areas on the board.

Place the tokens within reach of all players.

Determine the first player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Oath, players take on the roles of different factions competing for power and influence in the land. Players use action points to move, gather resources, and take actions to build their empire. The game features area majority/influence, area movement, dice rolling, and hand management mechanics. The ultimate objective is to fulfill the game’s victory condition, which can vary from game to game based on the Oath card drawn at the beginning.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging and immersive storytelling elements

Strategic depth and replayability

Unique gameplay mechanics

Beautiful artwork and components

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Lengthy playtime, especially with higher player counts

Some randomness due to dice rolling

Personal Thoughts on Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile

Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile is a complex and richly thematic game that offers a deep and rewarding gameplay experience. The game’s components are of high quality, and the artwork is stunning. The game falls into the economic, fantasy, negotiation, political, and territory-building categories, making it a versatile choice for gamers looking for a diverse experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Oath can be on the higher end due to its components and gameplay depth. However, for fans of strategy games and those who enjoy immersive storytelling, Oath is definitely worth the investment. It may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick gameplay experience. Overall, Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile is a game that offers a unique and engaging experience for players willing to invest the time and effort into mastering its intricacies.

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