Scythe*

In the turbulent 1920s Europa, a period overshadowed by the aftermath of the first great war, a city-state known as "The Factory" stands at the center of attention. This capitalistic powerhouse, renowned for its heavily armored mechs that fueled the war, has mysteriously closed its doors, leaving neighboring nations vying for its secrets.

Scythe immerses you in an alternate-history 1920s setting, blending elements of farming and war, innovation and valor, heartache and rusted gears. Each player embodies a character from one of five Eastern European factions, each striving to amass wealth and secure their faction's claim to the land surrounding the enigmatic Factory. As you journey through the game, you'll conquer territory, recruit new allies, harvest resources, nurture your villages, construct vital structures, and unleash powerful mechs onto the battlefield.

Asymmetrical Ambitions

At the outset, players find themselves in distinct positions, armed with different resources, abilities, and hidden goals. Starting locations are thoughtfully balanced to emphasize each faction's uniqueness, fostering the game's captivating asymmetrical nature. Scythe adopts a streamlined action-selection mechanism that eschews rounds or phases, ensuring dynamic gameplay and minimal downtime. While strategic conflicts abound, rest assured that no player faces elimination.

Craft Your Fate, Forge Your Empire

Scythe places control firmly in your hands, offering nearly complete agency over your destiny. Beyond your hidden objective card, luck or variability is primarily confined to "encounter" cards drawn as you engage with the denizens of uncharted lands. These cards bestow numerous options, allowing you to mitigate luck through your choices. Combat is likewise driven by decision-making rather than chance.

Every facet of Scythe embraces engine-building principles. You can enhance actions for efficiency, erect structures to bolster your presence, enlist recruits to augment character capabilities, activate mechs to deter adversaries, and expand your borders for richer and more diverse resources. These elements create a gratifying sense of progression and momentum throughout the game. The order in which you refine your engine adds an individualized touch to each playthrough, ensuring a unique experience even when revisiting a familiar faction.

Carve Your Name in History

Scythe invites you to carve your name in the annals of an alternate 1920s Europa. Forge alliances, marshal resources, and deploy formidable mechs as you seek prosperity and dominance in a world teetering between innovation and conflict. Will your legacy be etched in the history books of this enigmatic era?

Nominated for 21 awards and won 10.

  • 1 - 5 Players
  • 90 - 115 Minutes
  • 14+ years old
  • Medium difficulty

Video reviews, ratings, Let's Plays and tests for Scythe

  • YouTube Review for the game "Scythe" by Shut Up & Sit Down
    Video is in English

We like Scythe so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024

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