Scythe (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Scythe is a board game that was released in 2016 by Stonemaier Games. Designed by Jamey Stegmaier and featuring artwork by Jakub Rozalski, the game is set in an alternate history 1920s Europe, where players take on the role of factions competing for control of the land.

Game Components of Scythe

High-quality components: Includes detailed player mats, character miniatures, mechs, and uniquely shaped worker meeples for each faction.

Artwork and iconography: The board features clear game iconography and detailed artwork of rivers, mountains, and villages. The game also includes encounter cards, factory cards, and various other card types.

Wooden components: Generic resource cubes, buildings like the Mill and Monument, and wooden resources in different types denoted by color and shape.

Card decks: Factory abilities, combat cards, personal goals, encounter cards, and solo play cards.

Additional elements: Money tokens, encounter tokens, power dials, structure bonus tiles, and cardboard punch boards.

How To Setup Scythe

To set up Scythe, players lay out the board and each player receives a randomly assigned faction mat and its corresponding components. Players sit so they can reach their faction’s home base on the board. Each player also gets a random player mat, which they pair with their faction mat. The boards are two-layered, making it easy to see where components go. Players mark their starting popularity and power, and place their character on their faction’s base with two workers in adjacent hexes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Engine building: Players build and upgrade their engines through various actions and upgrades.

Worker placement: Players take one or two actions each turn, using worker placement mechanics to manage resources and territory.

Area control: Controlling territories and resources is crucial for end-game wealth.

Exploration: Players can explore the board, discover new technologies, and interact with other players.

Combat: Optional combat mechanics involving combat cards and a battle dial add tension and realism.

Game objective: The player with the most money at the end of the game wins, earned through end-game bonuses for territory control, resources, stars, and popularity.

Player Experience

Playing Scythe is a deeply strategic and immersive experience. Each turn, players select from a series of individual set actions on their player board, choosing top and bottom actions that offer different benefits and costs. The game’s complexity stems from the interactions and combinations of these actions, rather than convoluted core rules. This makes the game accessible despite its weight. The game ends when a player achieves their sixth star, but the true victory lies in maximizing end-game wealth through careful planning and resource management.

Pros

High replayability: The game offers numerous ways to approach each playthrough, with variable player powers and expansions available.

Immersive theme: The dieselpunk setting and detailed artwork create an engaging and unique world to explore.

Strategic depth: The game combines engine building, area control, and worker placement for a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Quality components: High-quality materials and detailed components enhance the overall gaming experience.

Cons

Steep learning curve: While individual actions are simple, understanding how they interact can take several plays.

Slow gameplay: Achieving goals can take several turns, though individual turns are relatively quick.

Mathematical combat: Combat mechanics can feel more mathematical than engaging, with outcomes often decided before the battle begins.

Personal Thoughts on Scythe

Scythe is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic depth and complex gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate engine building, area control, and worker placement mechanics. The game’s unique setting and high-quality components make it a standout in the board game community. However, due to its complexity and steep learning curve, it may not be the best fit for casual or new players. With its high replayability and the option for solo play, Scythe offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to master its intricacies.

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