Arctic Scavengers
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.3 / 5
- Year
- 2009
About the game
Arctic Scavengers is a gritty post-apocalyptic deckbuilder set after a catastrophic new ice age. As the leader of a small tribe of survivors, you recruit workers, tools, and mercenaries into your deck while competing against rival tribes for scarce resources. Unlike many peaceful deckbuilders, players can openly skirmish against each other, bluffing about their strength to win fights and steal survivors. The player who builds the largest tribe by game's end is declared the winner.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates that Arctic Scavengers brings real head-to-head conflict to the deckbuilding genre, which many similar games lack. The bluffing element in skirmishes adds genuine tension you don't often see alongside deckbuilding. Experienced deckbuilders can gain an edge over newcomers, so it rewards a few practice games to find your footing.
What we like
- Combines deckbuilding with genuine head-to-head conflict.
- Bluffing in skirmishes adds tension rare in the genre.
- Gritty post-apocalyptic theme is well realized.
- Drafting starting resources adds early strategic choices.
- Scales well from two to five players.
Keep in mind
- Newer players can be at a disadvantage against experienced deckbuilders.
- Skirmish bluffing can create swingy outcomes.
- Games can run longer with more players due to combat resolution.
Who it's for
Deckbuilder fans who want more direct conflict ages 12+, in groups of 2-5.
