Set a Watch (2019) Board Game

Set a Watch is a cooperative board game designed by Mike Gnade and Todd Walsh and released in 2019 by Rock Manor Games. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of heroes tasked with defending the realm from evil forces. With a unique blend of dice rolling, card play, and variable player powers, Set a Watch offers an engaging and challenging gameplay experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of Set a Watch

Game box: Contains the game components.

Character cards: Each player has a unique set of skills and abilities.

Dice: Used for battling monsters.

Monster cards: Represent the creatures trying to breach the camp.

Location cards: Nine locations to clear out.

Camp actions cards: For resting adventurers and taking camp actions.

Seal tokens: To represent the seals holding back the evil UnHallowed.

How To Setup Set a Watch

To set up the game, first shuffle and deal the character cards to each player. Each player chooses their character and places their character card on the table. Then, prepare the deck of location cards, monster cards, and camp actions cards according to the game rules. Finally, determine the starting location and begin the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to defeat monsters.

Dice rolling: Used to determine the outcomes of battles.

Character abilities: Unique skills and abilities for each adventurer.

Resource management: Managing rest and camp actions.

Combat puzzle: Manipulating the creature line to solve each round’s combat challenge.

Objective: Clear out nine locations to stop the acolytes from breaking the seals holding back the evil UnHallowed.

Player Experience

In Set a Watch, players embark on a cooperative adventure where they must strategize and work together to defeat hordes of monsters. Each round, one adventurer rests while the others take watch and battle the incoming creatures using dice rolls and their unique abilities. The game encourages discussion and strategic planning from site to site, making it engaging and fun for players of various skill levels.

Pros

High replayability: Randomized character selection and varying monster lines.

Quick setup and teardown: Games are not too long, making it convenient for multiple sessions.

Simple to teach: Easy to introduce to non-gamer friends.

Engaging strategy: Requires wits and skill to manipulate the creature line.

Cons

Limited player count: Designed for 1-4 players, which might limit group sizes.

Dependence on dice rolls: Can lead to variability in outcomes based on luck.

Personal Thoughts on Set a Watch

Set a Watch is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic combat puzzles. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a game that balances simplicity with depth, making it accessible to both new and experienced gamers. The game’s random elements and unique character abilities ensure a different experience each time, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

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