Imagine a game where strategy meets unpredictability, and every turn feels like a step closer to an epic showdown. Welcome to Scythe, a board game that masterfully blends engine building, combat, and strategic tension into a thrilling experience.

Why I love Scythe

I love playing Scythe, designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games. Set in an alternate history 1920s Europe, players control factions vying for dominance in a world filled with mechs, resource gathering, and territory control. Here’s what makes Scythe special to me.

1. Engine building

One of the most satisfying aspects of Scythe is the engine building. At the start, I take small, quick actions like moving or producing resources. However, as the game progresses and I upgrade my mats, these actions become more impactful. The combination of top-row and bottom-row actions creates a sense of progression and accomplishment, making each turn rewarding. I love how simple it is to place a token and see my strategy unfold.

2. Combat and bluffing

Combat in Scythe adds a layer of intrigue with its hidden information. When I decide my combat strength secretly, it leads to moments of bluffing and strategic decision-making. Playing with my friends, I enjoy the mix of diplomacy and cunning. The combat system keeps every encounter exciting and memorable.

I remember one game where my friend was leading in points, which would decide the winner. He realised he needed to end the game quickly before anyone could catch up. After scanning the board, he saw that another player had five stars. My friend engaged in combat with this player and intentionally lost, ensuring the other player placed their sixth star, which ended the game. Thanks to his clever and quick thinking, my friend secured his victory.

3. Controlled luck

Despite being a strategy-heavy game, Scythe incorporates elements of luck in a controlled manner. Encounter, combat, and objective cards introduce randomness, but I can mitigate these elements. For instance, encounter cards offer three options to choose from, combat cards are drawn from a shuffled deck, and I get to complete an objective from two options. This balance of luck and strategy keeps the game exciting, as I adapt to unexpected events while still having control over my choices.

I always look forward to drawing encounter cards. On several occasions, these encounters have given my friends just the right boost at the perfect moment, turning the tide of the game in their favour. Once, I was in a tough spot, facing a significant challenge. But then, through sheer luck, an encounter card gave me one popularity, putting me right back on track. This feeling of unexpected recovery is what makes Scythe so exciting for me.

4. Tension and endgame

The endgame in Scythe is driven by the placement of the sixth star, creating a race-like tension. Anyone can trigger the endgame, leading to a thrilling sprint to complete objectives. Additionally, the threat of attacks through tunnels keeps me on my toes, adding to the overall sense of urgency and excitement. I love how this tension makes every game feel like a race against time and opponents.

One game had us all on edge as we raced to place our sixth stars. The atmosphere was intense, and the final moments were nail-biting.

Wrapping up

Scythe combines engine building, strategic combat, controlled luck, and endgame tension in a unique and engaging way. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to board games, Scythe has something for everyone. For me, it's a must-play.

What do you enjoy most about Scythe? Do you have any favourite strategies or memorable moments from your games? Think about these as you play, and see how they shape your experience with the game.

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