Vast: The Crystal Caverns (2016) Board Game

Vast: The Crystal Caverns is a unique asymmetric dungeon-crawling adventure game that was released in in 2016. Designed by Patrick Leder and David Somerville, this game offers players different roles to play, each with its own objectives and gameplay mechanics. With stunning artwork by Kyle Ferrin, this game has gained popularity for its innovative gameplay.

Game Components of Vast: The Crystal Caverns

Player roles: Knight, Goblin horde, Dragon, Thief, and the Cave itself.

Tiles: Cave tiles, including dark and lit tiles, and event/treasure cards.

Action cubes: For the Knight to manage stats and actions.

Omens: For the Cave to determine its actions.

Treasure tokens: For players to collect.

Health and experience trackers: For the Knight and other characters.

Crystal support columns: Key to the Cave’s victory condition.

How To Setup Vast: The Crystal Caverns

Setting up the game involves each player selecting a role and understanding the unique rules and components associated with that role. The Cave player starts by drawing a hand of three cave tiles and determining the starting layout of the cave. Other players set up their respective player boards and components. The first play can take around 2.5 hours, including rules explanation, while subsequent games can be completed in about 75 minutes if all players are familiar with the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric play: Each role has different rules, components, and victory conditions.

Knight: Collect treasure, level up, and escape the cave.

Goblins: Kill the Knight.

Dragon: Wake up and escape the cave.

Thief: Steal treasure and escape.

Cave: Expand the cave, then collapse it, burying all players.

Tile-laying: The Cave player lays out and later removes cave tiles to shape the cave and its collapse.

Action management: Players use action cubes or omens to perform actions.

Exploration: Players reveal new tiles, resolve events, and collect treasures.

Timer mechanism: The Cave’s collapse serves as a timer, ensuring the game progresses.

Player Experience

Playing **Vast: The Crystal Caverns** is a deeply immersive and complex experience. The game rewards multiple plays due to the steep learning curve of each role, making it a challenge to master but highly rewarding. Each game is tense, especially towards the end as the Cave begins to collapse and players rush to achieve their objectives. The game is ideal for players who enjoy dungeon crawlers and asymmetric play, though it can be challenging to introduce to casual players due to its complex rules.

Pros

High replayability: Multiple roles with unique gameplay and victory conditions.

Asymmetric play: Each role offers a distinct experience.

Tense gameplay: Games often come down to the wire.

Innovative mechanics: The Cave as a player and the collapse mechanism add a unique twist.

Cons

Complex rules: Difficult to teach and learn.

Steep learning curve: Requires multiple plays to fully understand each role.

Balance issues: Experienced players can have an advantage over new players.

Long setup and first play: Can take around 2.5 hours for the initial play.

Personal Thoughts on Vast: The Crystal Caverns

**Vast: The Crystal Caverns** is a game suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, asymmetric gameplay. It is not ideal for casual players due to its intricate rules and the time required to learn each role. However, for those who appreciate a challenge and are willing to invest time, this game offers a rich and rewarding experience with high replayability. If you’re looking for a game that stands out from the usual fare, **Vast: The Crystal Caverns** is definitely worth considering.

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