Red Rising (2021) Board Game

The Red Rising board game is based on the popular sci-fi novel series by Pierce Brown. The game was released in 2021 by Stonemaier Games and designed by Alexander Schmidt and Jamey Stegmaier.

Game Components of Red Rising

1 game board

1 wolf-head tray and lid

112 unique character cards, each representing a character from one of the 11 different colored castes

6 asymmetric House tiles

60 helium tokens (red gems)

1 Sovereign token

60 influence tokens (plastic cubes)

1 crescent moon first-player token

1 custom Rising die

6 fleet tokens

6 reference cards

1 scorepad

1 multiplayer rulebook

1 Automa rulebook

30 Automa cards.

How To Setup Red Rising

To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of 5 random cards. The cards on the board are also drawn randomly and placed face-up in their respective locations. The game includes various tokens and markers that need to be distributed according to the initial setup rules. Players choose their House tiles, which provide unique abilities and starting conditions. The Sovereign token, helium tokens, influence tokens, and fleet tokens are also placed according to the setup instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players curate their hand by playing a card, using its ability, and then taking another card.

Combo Building: Combos are key; players trigger multiple actions and earn points by building combinations of cards.

Card Deployment: On each turn, a player deploys a card to a location on the board, activating its deploy benefit, and then gains the top card from another location or the deck.

Resource Management: Manage helium tokens, influence tokens, and fleet tokens to enhance end-game point totals.

Objective: The goal is to forge a combo of house members in your hand, combining it with accumulated resources and influence to achieve the highest score. Possessing the Sovereign token at the end of the game provides a bonus.

Player Experience

Red Rising is a game that demands strategic thinking and adaptability. Each turn is an intense gamble as players must decide which cards to play and when, considering the dynamic board state and other players’ moves. The game’s high replayability comes from the unique abilities of each card and the randomness of the draw, ensuring no two games are the same. While the initial learning curve can be steep due to the many different colored castes and card abilities, the game becomes addictive once players grasp the mechanics.

Pros

High Replayability: The game offers nearly infinite combinations of cards and strategies.

Strategic Depth: Every turn involves making tough decisions that can significantly impact the game.

Theme Integration: The game’s theme is well-integrated, even for players unfamiliar with the book series.

Addictive Gameplay: Despite the complexity, the game is strangely addictive and encourages repeated plays.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Learning the different colors and card abilities can be challenging.

Turn Creep: Games with more players can experience turn creep, making it harder to plan ahead.

Card Vulnerability: Cards can be stolen or banished, significantly impacting a player’s strategy, though an official variant mitigates this issue.

Personal Thoughts on Red Rising

Red Rising is ideal for fans of complex, strategic games who enjoy hand management and combo building. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate deep gameplay mechanics and high replayability. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a hidden gem for gamers looking for a challenging and engaging experience. The game shines with 3-4 players, but it can be enjoyed with up to 6 players, though it may introduce more complexity and turn creep.

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