Arcs
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.4 / 5
- Year
- 2024
About the game
Arcs is a tactical space-opera game where players lead officials of a decaying empire, vying for dominance through battle, resource gathering, and diplomacy. A four-suit trick-taking-inspired card system drives action selection, initiative, and ambition declarations, with only the round's chosen ambitions scoring points. Risk-based combat and rich negotiation create dramatic swings, especially when paired with the optional campaign expansion. Striking art and premium components round out this bold, genre-blending design.
Hobbli's Notes
This is an inventive fusion of trick-taking and area-control space opera, and the ambition-declaration system keeps every deal feeling different. The unconventional mechanics take real effort to master, but the payoff for dedicated groups is substantial.
What we like
- Innovative trick-taking-based action selection unlike typical area-control games.
- Deterministic, risk-based combat rewards careful preparation.
- Rich negotiation and diplomacy add real social depth.
- Optional campaign mode extends replayability significantly.
Keep in mind
- Unconventional systems create a steep learning curve.
- Player-elimination-adjacent swings can feel harsh in competitive play.
- Long playtime for a primarily card-driven game.
Who it's for
Experienced strategy gamers who enjoy negotiation and area control, best with 3-4 players, ages 14+.
