51st State: Master Set
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.9 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
51st State: Master Set gathers cards from the original 51st State along with the New Era and Winter expansions into one rebalanced package. Players lead one of four factions rebuilding society after America's collapse, using multi-purpose cards to raze locations for quick resources, deal with them for ongoing income, or build them for permanent abilities. Clever multi-use cards and aggressive take-that interactions make every decision about timing and resource allocation matter.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates how this master set streamlines access to one of the sharpest card-driven economic engines in the hobby, from the designer of Robinson Crusoe. The multi-use card system rewards creative, flexible thinking each turn. Its post-apocalyptic take-that edge gives it more bite than typical peaceful euro engine-builders.
What we like
- Clever multi-use card system rewards flexible, adaptive strategy.
- Take-that interaction adds real aggression to the euro-style engine.
- Master Set consolidates and rebalances the best content from expansions.
- High replayability from combining different factions and expansion cards.
Keep in mind
- Post-apocalyptic take-that elements may frustrate players who prefer peaceful euros.
- Card text density can slow down turns for new players.
Who it's for
Good fit for strategy gamers aged 14+ who enjoy card-driven engine building with direct player interaction; best with 2-4 players.
