⚙️ Scythe Board Game – Complete Guide
Scythe is a strategy board game set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe, designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games in 2016. Players lead asymmetrical factions to expand territories, produce resources, and deploy mechs in a post-war Europe. Combining area control, engine-building, and resource management, Scythe is renowned for its deep strategy, stunning artwork, and replayability.
🎲 Scythe Board Game Details
- Designer: Jamey Stegmaier
- Publisher: Stonemaier Games
- Year Published: 2016
- Players: 1–5 (with expansions up to 7)
- Playtime: 90–120 minutes
- Recommended Age: 14+
- Average Rating: ⭐ 8.1 / 10 (BoardGameGeek)
⚔️ How to Play Scythe
In Scythe, players control unique factions, each with different abilities, mechs, and starting resources. Core mechanics include:
- Action Selection: Choose one action per turn to move, produce, trade, deploy mechs, or upgrade your engine.
- Resource Management: Gather food, metal, wood, and oil to fuel expansion and mech deployment.
- Combat: Engage in strategic combat using power and coins, but combat is optional and tactical.
- Area Control: Expand territories to gain resources, objectives, and popularity.
- Objectives & Achievements: Earn stars for completing objectives, deploying mechs, and winning combats.
The player with the most coins at the end of the game wins, combining resources, territory control, and strategic achievements.
📦 Components
- Large double-sided modular board
- Factions boards and player mats
- Faction miniatures (characters and mechs)
- Resource tokens and coins
- Objective, combat, and encounter cards
- Custom dice and popularity markers
🛡️ Scythe Expansions
- Invaders from Afar – Adds two new factions and components for expanded gameplay.
- The Rise of Fenris – Story-driven campaign expansion with modular content.
- Modular Board & Promo Packs – Adds extra variety, miniatures, and alternative scenarios.
🧠 Scythe Strategy Tips
- Focus on engine-building early; long-term growth outweighs short skirmishes.
- Balance popularity and power — popularity affects scoring and combat rewards.
- Use mechs strategically to control key territories and objectives.
- Adapt faction strengths to the board layout and player interactions.
🌍 Theme & Setting
Set in a post-war alternate-history 1920s Europe, Scythe blends industrial mechs with a rural Eastern European landscape. Each faction’s lore, art, and abilities create a unique thematic experience, immersing players in strategic empire-building, resource gathering, and tactical combat.
❓ Scythe FAQ
Is Scythe good for beginners?
Yes, although the rules take time to learn, Scythe’s player mats and clear iconography make it accessible to new players with some guidance.
What type of board game is Scythe?
It’s a combination of engine-building, area control, and strategy board game.
How long does a game of Scythe take?
Typically 90–120 minutes, depending on experience and number of players.
How many players can play Scythe?
1–5 players in the base game, up to 7 with expansions.
