Yggdrasil is a board game that was released in 2011 and designed by Pierô. It is a cooperative game based on Norse mythology where players take on the roles of different gods trying to prevent the destruction of the world tree, Yggdrasil, by fending off various enemies like Loki and his minions.
Game Components of Yggdrasil
Game Board: A 3D representation of the world tree Yggdrasil, divided into three levels and nine worlds.God Sheets: Each player has a god sheet representing one of the six gods from Norse mythology (Odin, Thor, Tyr, Frey, Heimdall, and Freyja).Enemy Figures: 11 enemy figures including Fenrir, Jormungand, Surt, Hel, Loki, and Nidhögg.Cards: 42 Enemy Cards, 18 Sacred Cards, 18 Yotun Cards, and 18 Creature Cards.Dice: Van Divine Dice and God Dice with symbols rather than numbers.Tokens: Various tokens including Viking souls, Fire Giant souls, and other game tokens.Player Mats: Large mats for each god to manage their actions and resources.
How To Setup Yggdrasil
To set up Yggdrasil, players first assemble the 3D world tree Yggdrasil by removing and combining the cardboard pieces according to the rule book. The tree is composed of three layers, each containing three worlds. Players then place the god sheets, enemy figures, and cards in their respective positions. The game also involves preparing the cloth bags containing Viking and Fire Giant souls.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Player Actions: Each player performs three actions per turn, such as asking for the Elves’ help, getting or improving a weapon from the Dwarves, sending Valkyries to gather Viking souls, fighting Fire Giants, negotiating with the Vanir, or fighting enemies in Asgard.Enemy Movement: At the start of each turn, an Enemy card is drawn, moving the corresponding counter on the board and triggering its effect.Combat: Players can fight enemies in their current world, using resources like Viking souls and dice rolls to mitigate risks.Objective: The objective is to prevent the evil forces from destroying the worlds of Yggdrasil. Players win if they last long enough without the enemies reaching the final location or if they successfully prevent the destruction of the worlds.
Player Experience
Yggdrasil offers an immersive and challenging cooperative experience. Players must work together, utilizing their unique god powers and resources to resist the advance of evil forces. The game requires strategic planning, risk management, and teamwork to navigate the complexities of the 3D board and the escalating threats from the enemies.
Pros
Immersive Theme: The game is deeply rooted in Norse mythology, offering a rich and engaging theme.Complex Gameplay: The combination of unique god powers, resource management, and the dynamic 3D board provides a challenging and varied gameplay experience.Cooperative Elements: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning among players.High Replayability: Random enemy appearances and different player abilities ensure each game is unique.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex rules and a lot of components, which can be overwhelming for new players.Setup Time: Assembling the 3D board and preparing the components can take significant time.Alpha Gamer Issue: Cooperative nature can lead to over-controlling by dominant players, which can spoil the fun for others.
Personal Thoughts on Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is ideal for fans of cooperative board games and those interested in Norse mythology. It is best suited for experienced gamers due to its complexity and the time required to set up and learn the rules. The game offers a deep and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and teamwork, making it a great addition to any serious board game collection. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game.
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.
