| | | | | | | | |

Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Core Set (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Core Set was released in 2019 by Devir. It is a cooperative adventure card game designed by Chad Brown, Keith Richmond, Aviva Schecterson, Mike Selinker, and Liz Spain. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of adventurers exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and completing quests.

Game Components of Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Core Set

  • 440 cards: Featuring weapons, magical spells, protective armors, versatile items, helpful allies, and divine blessings.
  • 12 character pawns: Representing Pathfinder’s iconic character classes.
  • 6 pawn bases**.
  • 5 polyhedral dice**.
  • 63 colorful tokens: For tracking scourges and secondary objectives.
  • 24 dividers: For organizing cards.
  • 4-page Quick-Start Guide**.
  • 32-page rulebook**.
  • 24-page storybook: Featuring The Dragon’s Demand adventure path.

    How To Setup Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Core Set

    Setting up the game involves several key steps. First, read the 4-page Quick-Start Guide, which instructs you to open a specific deck of cards before proceeding. This guide helps navigate the initial setup. Next, players choose their characters and build their initial decks based on the deck-building lists provided on the character cards. The game components are organized using the provided dividers and foam blocks, making it easier to manage the large number of cards and other components.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Campaign: Players work together to overcome challenges and complete adventures.
  • Deck-Building: Players build and customize their character decks as the campaign progresses.
  • Character Progression: Characters gain new cards and abilities as they complete adventures.
  • Modular Scenarios: The game allows for customizable scenarios, controlling difficulty and speed of play.
  • Combat and Exploration: Players encounter monsters, perils, and traps, using their decks to resolve these challenges.

    Player Experience

    The game offers a rich and immersive experience, feeling like a condensed version of a full role-playing game. Players engage in strategic deck-building and cooperative gameplay, exploring lethal locations and facing various threats. The game is designed for 1 to 4 players and is clearly intended for multiplayer, although solo play is possible but less engaging.

    Pros

  • Clarified and Updated Rules: The new edition simplifies and updates the rules, making the game easier to learn and play.
  • High Replayability: The modular scenario design and randomized elements ensure multiple playthroughs can be unique.
  • Character Customization: Players can customize their decks extensively, adding a layer of depth to the game.
  • Cooperative Fun: The game excels as a cooperative experience, encouraging teamwork and strategy.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game has a complex rule set, requiring significant time to read and understand before starting.
  • Limited Cards in Core Set: The core set has a limited number of cards, which can make some gameplay mechanics less effective until additional sets are added.
  • Foam Block Dividers: The use of foam blocks for dividers is seen as less polished compared to other games.

    Personal Thoughts on Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Core Set

    This game is ideal for fans of cooperative card games and those who enjoy the Pathfinder universe. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate deep strategy and character customization. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simpler rules or are looking for a quick pick-up game. The game’s complexity and the need for additional sets to fully realize its potential may deter some players, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a highly rewarding experience.

    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. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *