Rune (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rune is a abstract strategy card game that was released in 2019 by Giga Mech Games. Designed by Zemilio and featuring artwork by Tristam Rossin, Rune is a game that focuses on connections, layering, melding and splaying, and tile placement.

Game Components of Rune

Deck of cards featuring 6 runes each

Meeples for marking controlled areas

Rulebook

Compact tuckbox for storage

How To Setup Rune

Setting up Rune is straightforward and quick. Start by shuffling the deck and splitting it if desired for back-to-back plays. Place a starting card in the center, and each player begins with three cards. The game area is relatively small, requiring only about 14″ x 10″ of table space.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card placement with strict rules: cards must overlap matching runes or fit adjacent to existing cards.

Area control: players place meeples to control areas and gain points based on the color of the runes.

Limited hand size: players can only hold three cards at a time.

Strategic expansion: players must balance drawing cards and placing meeples to expand their controlled areas.

Game Objective

The objective is to score points by controlling areas of different colored runes.

Points are awarded based on the color and size of the controlled areas.

The game ends when all cards are placed, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Rune offers a quick and engaging experience, with most games lasting around 15 minutes. Players must make strategic decisions about card placement and meeple deployment, balancing the need to expand their areas with the limitation of their hand size. The game’s puzzle aspect is enjoyable, requiring careful planning and strategic thinking.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Most plays last only a few minutes.

Easy to Teach: Simple rules make it easy for new players to learn.

Brain-Bending Puzzle: The game requires strategic thinking and planning.

Compact: The game fits into a small tuckbox, making it easy to carry.

Multiple Solo Modes: Includes several solo modes with varying difficulty levels.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-3 players, which can be a limitation for larger groups.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: The strict placement rules can lead to prolonged decision-making.

Not All Rules are Clear: Some rules can be confusingly worded.

Expansions Make Gameplay Easier: Instead of adding challenges, expansions tend to make the game easier.

Personal Thoughts on Rune

Rune is ideal for players who enjoy quick, strategic games with a puzzle element. It’s perfect for filling gaps between larger games or as a quick solo challenge. The game’s compact size and simple setup make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate area control and card-laying mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for groups larger than three players or those seeking a more complex, long-duration game.

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.