Wizard Thieves (2019) Board Game

Wizard Thieves is a fast-paced card game designed by Jeremy Rozenhart and released in in 2019. It falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Card Game, Fantasy, Memory, Party Game, and Real-time. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of Wizard Thieves

Deck of Loot cards: Players reveal these to build the Pot.

Magic Items: Used to out-thief fellow players.

Treasure cards: Initiate Treasure Challenges.

Grab Challenge cards: Triggered by specific patterns of treasures.

The Curse: Eliminates players from the game.

How To Setup Wizard Thieves

To set up the game, each player starts with a deck of Loot cards. The objective is to build the Pot by revealing Loot cards. The game is ready to begin once all players have their decks and understand the basic mechanics of Grab Challenges and Treasure Challenges.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Players take turns revealing Loot cards from their decks to build the Pot.

Grab Challenges: Initiated when specific patterns of treasures are played into the Pot.

Treasure Challenges: Occur whenever a Treasure card is revealed, giving the next player a set number of chances to reveal another card before the Pot is taken.

Winning the Pot: Claiming the Pot does not win the game; players must either collect all available Loot or hold onto their Loot until all other players are eliminated by The Curse.

Magic Items: Used strategically to outmaneuver other players.

Player Experience

Wizard Thieves offers a dynamic and interactive experience, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Players must be vigilant and ready to act swiftly to claim the Pot or defend against other players’ attempts to steal it. The game’s fast-paced nature keeps players engaged and entertained throughout.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Keeps players engaged and on their toes.

Simple to learn: Easy to understand the basic mechanics.

Strategic depth: Use of Magic Items adds complexity and strategy.

Family-friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Cons

Luck element: The game includes a significant luck component, which may not appeal to all players.

Limited player count: Base game supports 2-4 players, with an expansion needed for a 5th player.

Short playtime: Games last between 10-20 minutes, which may be too short for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Wizard Thieves

Wizard Thieves is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a quick, entertaining game that combines strategy and reflexes. It is particularly suitable for younger players due to its simplicity and fast-paced action. However, players seeking longer, more complex games might find Wizard Thieves too succinct. Overall, it is a fun and engaging addition to any board game collection, ideal for those who enjoy rapid-paced card games with a touch of magical mischief.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.