Scythe
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 115 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.5 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
Scythe drops you into an alternate 1920s Europa, where five factions race to control the mysterious abandoned Factory that once fueled a great war. You'll build an engine of farming, recruiting, and mech-powered conquest across a beautifully illustrated map. Each faction starts asymmetrically, with its own resources, home base, and hidden objective, so no two games play alike. Combat and expansion are ever-present threats, but there's no player elimination, and clever choices matter far more than luck. It's a sweeping, tactile strategy epic wrapped in gorgeous Eastern-European-inspired art.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team loves how Scythe balances conflict and economy without ever feeling mean-spirited toward the table. The streamlined action-selection system keeps a heavy game moving briskly, which is a real achievement for something this ambitious. The miniatures and art direction are a big part of the draw, and they hold up game after game. It's a strong pick for groups wanting a meaty strategic experience with a strong table presence.
What we like
- Gorgeous production and distinctive art direction set it apart visually.
- Asymmetric factions give every player a genuinely different experience.
- Streamlined action selection keeps a heavy game moving at a good pace.
- No player elimination means everyone stays engaged to the end.
- High replayability thanks to variable setups and hidden objectives.
Keep in mind
- Downtime between turns can be noticeable, especially at higher player counts.
- The rulebook and iconography have a steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Combat can feel swingy for players who prefer pure economic engines.
Who it's for
Best for strategy-minded adults and teens (14+) who enjoy area control and engine building; ideal for 3-5 player game nights, though solo and 2-player modes work well too.
