QUARZ (2025) Board Game – Board Game Guys

QUARZ is a board game released in 2025, designed by Julian “EWKONE” Arzdorf. It falls under the categories of Animals, Fantasy, Fighting, Miniatures, and Wargame. The game features stunning artwork by Garden Gnome Games and another artist, adding to the overall immersive experience of the gameplay.

Game Components of QUARZ

Mining carts for each player

Crystals (various types, including unstable and obsidian)

Dice (in the dice version)

Cards (in the non-dice version) for advantages and challenges

Treasure chest for storing crystals

Player boards and round markers

Coins and experience tokens

Bag for drawing crystals

How To Setup QUARZ

To set up QUARZ, each player receives a mining cart and a set of cards that outline the breakdown of crystals and possible actions. The game board is prepared with round markers and tokens. In a three-player game, specific cards are placed in designated spaces, and the bag is filled with crystals. Players also receive a treasure chest to store their collected crystals.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Extract Crystals: Players pull crystals from a bag.

Play Cards/Dice: Players use cards or dice to gain advantages or cause problems for opponents.

Leave the Mine: Players can choose to leave the mine to sell their crystals.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of crystals to maximize their earnings.

Experience Tokens: Players earn tokens for handling unstable crystals, which can save them later.

Objective: The player who earns the most money by selling their crystals over five rounds becomes the sole owner of the mine.

Player Experience

Playing QUARZ involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players must balance the risk of extracting valuable crystals against the risk of encountering unstable or obsidian crystals, which can penalize them. The game requires strategic planning, as players need to decide when to leave the mine and sell their crystals to maximize their earnings. The social aspect comes into play through cards and dice actions that can affect other players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers multiple layers of strategy, including resource management and set collection.

Social Interaction: Players can influence each other’s gameplay through certain card and dice actions.

Variable Outcomes: The random draw of crystals and the use of dice introduce a high level of variability.

Engaging Theme: The mining theme is engaging and immersive.

Cons

Lack of Push-Your-Luck Mechanic: In the dice version, the push-your-luck mechanic from the original game is absent, which might disappoint some fans.

Complexity: While the basic rules are straightforward, mastering the game requires understanding various card and dice interactions.

Personal Thoughts on QUARZ

QUARZ is ideal for players who enjoy strategic and economic games with a strong social component. It is suitable for those who like games that require planning and adaptability, as the random elements and interactions with other players add a layer of unpredictability. However, fans of the original game might miss the push-your-luck mechanic in the dice version. Overall, QUARZ is a great choice for gamers looking for a challenging yet engaging 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.