Scythe

Scythe plunges you into an alternate 1920s Eastern Europe, where the echoes of a great war linger amidst sprawling farmlands and the imposing silhouettes of mechs. Each player controls a unique faction with asymmetrical powers, vying for control of territory and resources in this engine-building, area control game. Gameplay revolves around selecting one of four actions on your player board each turn, triggering a top and bottom row effect that might involve moving workers, producing resources, deploying mechs, upgrading abilities, enlisting recruits, or gaining popularity. You’ll be constantly optimizing your actions to build your engine, expand your reach, and score victory points through a combination of controlling territory, completing objectives, and building structures.

The tension in Scythe comes from the threat of conflict and the strategic dance of area control, rather than constant battles. While combat is possible, it carries consequences, and clever maneuvering to control key territories and resources is often more effective. Encounter cards add a narrative element as you interact with the local populace, providing choices that affect your popularity and resources. The combination of economic engine building, strategic area control, and the constant need to optimize your actions creates a deeply engaging and satisfying experience, where every turn feels impactful, and the path to victory is a complex and rewarding puzzle.