Objective of the Game
Cry Havoc is an asymmetric strategy and warfare board game where players take on roles of one of four factions vying for control and resources on a newly discovered planet. The goal is to earn the most victory points by skillfully deploying units, constructing buildings, and controlling areas.
Setup
- Board Setup:
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Place the game board in the center, displaying various regions, each offering different resources.
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Faction Selection:
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Each player chooses a faction: Humans, Machines, Pilgrims, or Trog. Each faction has unique special abilities and units.
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Distribute Materials:
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Each player receives their Faction Board, corresponding units, building cards, and their faction manual.
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Starting Resources and Troops:
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Distribute initial resources and troops as per the starting conditions in the faction guide.
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Deck Preparation:
- Shuffle the combat deck and deal cards to each player according to the setup instructions.
Gameplay
The game progresses over several rounds. Each round consists of the following phases:
- Event Phase:
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Draw an event card and resolve its effect. These can significantly influence game dynamics.
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Command Phase:
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Players secretly plan their actions, such as moving, building, or recruiting, and commit them.
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Activation Phase:
- Players execute their planned actions in turn order.
- Movement: Move units across the board to occupy strategic positions.
- Construction: Build structures that offer special abilities or generate points.
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Recruitment: Recruit new units or upgrade existing ones.
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Battle Resolution:
- Occurs in regions with multiple players' units.
- Play Combat Cards: Players alternately use combat cards to boost their troops.
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Battle Plan: Assign units tactically and determine the battle's outcome.
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Scoring Phase:
- Calculate points based on controlled regions, resource upgrades, and faction-specific bonuses.
Strategy Tips
- Resource Management: Efficient use of resources is crucial. Plan for long-term benefits to excel in later rounds.
- Battle Preparation: Leverage your faction's unique combat abilities and surprise elements in encounters.
- Territory Control: Secure strategic positions early to gain long-term advantages.
- Player Interaction: Navigate between aggressive strategies and diplomacy to achieve the best outcomes.
Special Features
- Asymmetry: Each faction plays differently, with specific strengths and strategies.
- Blend of Resource Management and Tactics: A mix of strategic planning and adaptability to the evolving game state is necessary.
- Dynamic Combat System: The uncertainty and adaptability during battles provide an engaging play experience.
“Cry Havoc” offers complex layers of strategy, tactics, and adaptability, perfect for players who enjoy deep asymmetric game mechanics.