Trash Lords (2017) Board Game

Trash Lords is a card game released in 2017 by designers Cody Ray and Ryan Sheffield. The game is known for its humorous and mature themes, as well as its political undertones. Players take on the roles of eccentric characters vying for control of a post-apocalyptic world filled with trash and debauchery.

Game Components of Trash Lords

12 transient character cards

Dumpster cards with varying rewards and dangers

Booze, smokes, snacks, and dope cards

Cop and trashling cards for added challenges

Dice for combat resolution

Expansion pack: Gutter Scum, which introduces new mechanics and themes

How To Setup Trash Lords

To set up Trash Lords, each player selects a character card, representing one of 12 transient characters. The dumpster cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a basic set of cards and the objective is to collect the necessary items (booze, smokes, snacks, and dope) to summon the Trash Lord. The game area needs to accommodate the dumpsters, character cards, and the discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Push-Your-Luck Mechanic: Players roll dice to determine which actions they can take, such as drawing cards, stashing items, or stealing from others.

Set Collection: Players collect specific items to appease the Trash Lord.

Take-That: Players can interfere with each other’s progress through stealing or disrupting actions.

Combat Phase: A simple dice-rolling mechanic resolves conflicts.

Objective: Be the first player to summon the Trash Lord by collecting the required items.

Player Experience

In Trash Lords, players immerse themselves in a punk-themed world where they scavenge through dumpsters, avoid cops, and compete against each other. The game is fast-paced, lasting about 30 minutes, and encourages strategic thinking and a bit of luck. The Gutter Scum expansion introduces cooperative elements, where players work together to defend their squat against hostile forces.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s punk aesthetic and rebellious tone create a unique and engaging atmosphere.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn, but with depth for strategic play.

High Replayability: Different dumpster cards and player interactions ensure varied gameplay.

Social Interaction: Encourages table talk and competitive banter.

Cons

Repetitive Mechanics: Some players may find the dice-rolling combat repetitive.

Rule Complexity: While the base game is simple, the Gutter Scum expansion adds complexity.

Thematic Division: The game’s themes and artwork may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Trash Lords

Trash Lords is ideal for groups of players who enjoy a light-hearted, competitive game with a strong thematic presence. It’s perfect for those who appreciate punk culture or are looking for a game that offers a fun, cathartic experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex, long-term strategy or those who are sensitive to the game’s themes and artwork. For families or more casual gaming groups, the base game might be too edgy, but for the right audience, it provides a wildly entertaining and memorable gaming experience.

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