Taulet.
Scythe

Scythe

Scythe transports players to an alternate 1920s Europe dominated by mechs and rival factions. Each player leads a unique people with their own abilities and must consolidate power: explore the board, deploy imposing mechs, build structures, recruit the population, and trade resources. The genius of Scythe is that war is expensive and the threat is often more powerful than the actual attack. A game of tension, asymmetry, and deep strategy in a visually stunning world.

Players
1–5
Playing time
90–150 min
Min. age
14+
Year
2016
Designer
Jamey Stegmaier
Share
TypeStrategy
ComplexityHard
MechanicsAction selection · Faction asymmetry · Worker placement · Combat · Resource management
BGG8.1

Setup

  • Place the modular board in the center (randomized for advanced play)

  • Each player takes a randomly assigned faction board and player board

  • Place each player's mechs, workers, and buildings on their faction's starting spaces

  • Deal objective cards and combat cards to each player

  • Set popularity and power markers to the starting values shown on each faction board

ROUND STRUCTURE

  • Each turn you select one of the 4 columns on your board and take both linked actions (top and bottom). You cannot choose the same column on consecutive turns.

AVAILABLE ACTIONS

Move

Relocate workers and mechs across the board

Gain resources

Collect food, wood, oil or metal

Build

Construct structures in your territory

Deploy

Add a mech with a newly unlocked special ability

Enlist

Activate permanent bonuses for you and adjacent rivals

Trade

Exchange resources or gain popularity

COMBAT

  • When two players share the same territory, combat occurs. Each player secretly chooses how many combat cards and how much power to commit. The winner takes the territory; the loser receives compensation and withdraws their units.

MECH ABILITIES

  • Each faction unlocks special movement abilities as mechs are deployed: crossing rivers, swimming, flying or moving workers. Check your faction board for specific abilities.

STARS

  • You earn Stars by completing milestones: winning combats, constructing all buildings, deploying all mechs, enlisting all bonuses, completing secret objectives, and other faction-specific milestones. When any player places their 6th Star, the game ends immediately.

Victory conditions

  • When a player places their 6th Star, the game ends immediately

  • Stars are earned by: winning combats, constructing all buildings, deploying all mechs, recruiting all bonuses, completing secret objectives, and other milestones

  • Score controlled territories × popularity level, plus accumulated coins

  • The player with the highest total wealth wins

Frequently asked questions

How many players does Scythe need?
1–5 players.
How long does a game of Scythe last?
90–150 minutes.
What is the minimum age for Scythe?
From 14 years old.

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