Exceptional consensus · 3 organizations

Scythe

Jamey Stegmaier · Stonemaier Games · 2016

In alternate 1920s Eastern Europe, factions build economic engines, deploy diesel-punk mechs, and control territories. Despite the mechs, combat is rare and costly — the game rewards efficient resource management over aggression. Asymmetric factions and modular board ensure variety.

Players

1–5

Time

115 min

Ages

14+

Difficulty

Heavy

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Why you'll like it

Stunning alternate-history art and world-building
Engine-building is deeply satisfying
Asymmetric factions give unique strategic identities
Excellent solo automata mode
Combat is meaningful but never dominant

How it plays

Scythe is set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe where farmers and giant mechs share the landscape. Each player leads a faction trying to grow its power by producing resources, building structures, deploying mechs, recruiting and expanding across the map.

Each turn you choose one section of your player board and take its top action, then optionally its bottom action. Because your board's layout is randomized, the combinations differ from game to game. Combat exists but is limited: fighting costs you popularity and resources, so the game is more about tension and positioning than constant battles.

When a player earns their sixth star (for achievements like winning fights, finishing upgrades or building everything), the game ends. Points come from coins, which you earn from territory, stars and resources, multiplied by your popularity.