Vault Wars (2015) Board Game

Vault Wars is a board game released in 2015 that revolves around players bidding on abandoned vaults to uncover valuable treasures. The game incorporates elements of bluffing, set collection, and auction/bidding mechanics, making it a fun and engaging experience for 3-5 players.

Game Components of Vault Wars

Vault cards

Contracted Hero cards

Item cards

Loan Shark card

Gold coins

Optional: Worker expansion

How To Setup Vault Wars

To set up the game, separate the cards by type. Each player is dealt Vault cards based on the number of players, and two Contracted Hero cards. The Item cards are shuffled and placed face down in a stack. Each player starts with 20 gold coins, and the remaining coins are kept within reach. The Loan Shark card is placed near the Item deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Each round consists of four phases – prepare the vaults, auction, get paid, and end of the round.

Prepare the Vaults: Players simultaneously choose a Vault card and place it face down.

Auction: Players take turns as the Auction Master, drawing Item cards based on the Vault card. Players bid on the Vault, with the highest bidder winning the auction.

Get Paid: The winning bidder pays the bid amount or receives payment from the Auction Master.

End of the Round: Players equip items, pay storage fees for un-equipped items, and may use the Loan Shark to manage finances.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate valuable items and manage finances effectively to maximize victory points.

Player Experience

In Vault Wars, players engage in a cut-throat bidding war to acquire treasure-filled vaults. The game is simple yet strategic, requiring players to balance their bids with their available gold. The dynamic nature of the auctions, coupled with the ability to peek at and manipulate item cards, adds a layer of bluffing and tactical decision-making.

Pros

Engaging Bidding Mechanism: The auction phase is the heart of the game, making each round exciting and unpredictable.

Strategic Depth: Players need to manage their gold, decide when to bid high, and use special cards to their advantage.

Quick Playtime: The game can be played in about an hour, making it a great choice for a casual game night.

Replayability: The random distribution of Item cards and the presence of special cards ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The randomness of the Item cards can sometimes lead to uneven distributions of valuable items.

Financial Management: Managing gold and avoiding the Loan Shark, which costs points, can be challenging and stressful.

Junk Items: Frequently encountering junk items can be frustrating but also presents opportunities for strategic play.

Personal Thoughts on Vault Wars

Vault Wars is ideal for players who enjoy bidding and bluffing mechanics, and it is particularly suited for those looking for a light, yet engaging, card game. The game’s simplicity and quick playtime make it accessible to new gamers, while its strategic elements keep experienced players engaged. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with deep, complex rules or those who dislike games heavily influenced by luck.

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