Scythe: An Engine-Building Bonanza With Bite-Sized Battles!

In the rolling hills and frozen tundra of an alternate 1920s Europe, emerges a game where mechs stomp across the snow, workers harvest grain and coal with grim determination, and factories churn out goods at a breathtaking pace. Welcome to Scythe, a masterful blend of engine-building, area control, and tactical combat from Stonemaier Games. Prepare for an experience that’s as captivating as it is challenging, demanding both strategic foresight and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

Scythe throws you into the boots (or perhaps treads) of one of five factions vying for dominance in Eastern Europa after a devastating Great War. Each faction leader has unique abilities and motivations, adding depth and replayability to the game:

• The Crimean Khanate: A nomadic force led by the enigmatic Olgerd Volkov, prioritizing swift movement and aggressive expansion.
• The Polanian Republic: Under the stern guidance of Katarzyna Nowak, known for their efficient production and powerful mechs.
• The Togawa Shogunate: A technologically advanced faction helmed by the cunning Hiro Ito, masters of resource management and swift strikes.
• The Nordic Kingdoms: Ruled by the wise Bjorn Ironside, renowned for their adaptability and focus on building a strong infrastructure.
• The Rusviet Union: A powerful industrial nation led by the enigmatic Anya Volkov (no relation to Olgerd), excelling at large-scale production and strategic warfare.

Building Your Engine: From Humble Beginnings to Industrial Powerhouse

Scythe’s core mechanic revolves around “engine building,” a term that might sound intimidating but is ultimately quite intuitive. Imagine your faction as a machine, with each action representing a gear or cog. Early in the game, you have limited options and must prioritize gathering resources like wood, food, metal, and oil. These are used to construct buildings, upgrade your workers (mechs), deploy units for combat, and ultimately move towards victory points.

But here’s the beauty of engine building: as you invest in structures like mines, factories, and workshops, new action options unlock on your player board, creating a cascading effect that accelerates your growth. This constant evolution keeps Scythe fresh and engaging throughout multiple plays.

The Fog of War: Navigating Uncertainties and Rivalries

While engine building forms the backbone of Scythe, area control and tactical combat add a layer of strategic complexity. The game map features sprawling hexes representing various terrain types, each with its own resource yield and strategic value.

Claiming territory through careful deployment is key to securing bonuses and access to vital resources. Encounters with other players’ units are inevitable, leading to tense mini-battles resolved through dice rolls and combat modifiers based on your mech upgrades and tactical positioning. Remember:

Scythe rewards diplomacy as much as aggression!

Form temporary alliances, negotiate trade deals, or simply try to avoid conflict altogether by focusing on expanding into unclaimed territories. This delicate balance between competition and cooperation makes every game of Scythe unique and unpredictable.

Victory in a World of Ambition:

How do you win this intricate dance of resource management, territorial expansion, and tactical maneuvering? Scythe offers multiple paths to victory:

• Popularity: Gain the favor of the populace by building structures like monuments and upgrading your “popularity track”.

• Military Might: Dominate through sheer force by capturing territory and engaging in successful battles.

• Technological Advancement: Focus on research and development, unlocking powerful upgrades and technologies.

• Economic Prosperity: Achieve economic dominance by amassing wealth and efficiently managing your resources.

The beauty of Scythe’s victory conditions lies in their flexibility. You don’t need to focus solely on one path – a balanced approach often yields the best results.

A Visual Feast for Strategy Enthusiasts Scythe is not just a brain teaser; it’s also a visual delight. The stunning artwork, evocative of 1920s Europe with a steampunk twist, immerses you in the game world. Mechs strutting across detailed landscapes, workers toiling amidst rolling fields, and intricately designed player boards contribute to a truly captivating experience.

The high-quality components – thick cardboard tiles, weighty wooden meeples, and a beautifully illustrated rulebook – further enhance Scythe’s appeal. Even the game box itself is a work of art, adorned with striking imagery that promises hours of strategic fun.

Embark on an Epic Journey: Scythe transcends the boundaries of typical board games; it’s a journey of resource management, tactical decision-making, and building your own unique path to victory. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and limitless replayability, Scythe is a must-have for any strategy enthusiast looking for a truly immersive experience.