Mastering Scythe: Strategies to Triumph in the World of Steampunk Board Games
The Conundrum of Scythe: How to Outmaneuver Your Family and Conquer the Board
Ah, Scythe. A game that evokes images of stunning landscapes, clever maneuvers, and the eternal quest for efficiency and victory…and, potentially, the frustration of once again losing to your husband or son. But have no fear, Scythe enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into this world of steampunk strategy to help unlock the secrets of success and bring you into the winner’s circle.
| Rating | 8.2 |
| For Players | 1-5 |
| Time Duration | 90-115 Mins |
| For Age | 14+ |
Now, we could spend hours discussing the intricate ins and outs of Scythe, but we’ve got to narrow our focus somehow.
So, let’s take those comments from fellow Scythe players and try to glean the best tips to turn you into a lean, mean, wooden-meeple-moving machine. Grab your player mat, and let’s dive in!
The Path to Efficiency: Top and Bottom Row Actions
Our fellow player Gabriel Perez has some wise words to keep in mind: “Always try to take the top action AND the bottom action on most turns.” Indeed, as we’ve noted, Scythe is an efficiency game, and it’s important not to waste precious movement on lesser actions. As you play, be mindful of which top actions can lead to powerful bottom row actions, and focus on those that produce the most coins (and therefore, points). And remember, as our friend Joe Lloyd notes, “You should try to score more points than your opponents.” Wise words, indeed.
Quantity Over Quality: The Meeple Army
While it may seem counterintuitive, some players like to “spam” meeples for maximum resource production. This can be a bold strategy, but it requires careful balancing of resource costs and potential consequences. If you do decide to employ this swarm strategy, make sure to leave meeple “protection” in key areas to deter opponents from swooping in towards the end game.
Practice Makes Perfect
As Andrea Crow Collier points out, it’s crucial to practice, practice, practice, especially with alliances. Download the app and play games quickly to improve your skills and familiarity with the game. Or, even better, try out the Steam version to get a feel for faction abilities and strategies.
Zig When They Zag: Don’t Always Follow the Crowd
Easily one of the most charming aspects of Scythe is the unique faction abilities. Embracing these differences can pave the way to victory. What works for your husband may not always work for you, so don’t be afraid to try new strategies and play styles.
The Power of Popularity
Several players have mentioned the importance of focusing on popularity in Scythe. In their eyes, a higher popularity level can be the key to victory. While this may not be the case for every game, keeping an eye on your popularity and looking for opportunities to boost it can pay dividends in the long run.
Adapt and Overcome
As Jason Kopp astutely observes, an aggressive attack strategy can prove incredibly useful. Maxing out your power, aiming to achieve six stars in 16 to 18 turns, and pouncing on unsuspecting opponents can be game-changing. However, it’s critical to adjust your strategies on the fly and analyze what your opponents are doing. As our Scythe-friend Rob Houston points out, sometimes the best offense is a good defense – or, in this case, staying ahead in points.
And Finally, Most Importantly – Have Fun!
In the end, Scythe is a game, and games are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. As our fellow player Brittany kindly reminds us, “I always have so much fun with this game whether I win or lose!” So even if you can’t quite outscore your husband or son this time around, remember that you’re all there to have a great time and explore the beautiful world of Scythe together.
Now armed with these strategies, you’re ready to embrace the challenge of Scythe and, hopefully, come out on top! Take these tips to heart, put your game face on, and go forth to conquer in the name of your faction.
And who knows? Perhaps one day, you’ll be the one dishing out the Scythe advice to other beleaguered players. Until then, happy gaming!
P.S. For those of you who just can’t get enough Scythe, keep an eye out for future articles discussing more nuanced tactics and strategies, as well as examining potential follow-up content and expansions. The world of Scythe has much more to offer, and we’re excited to continue exploring it with you!
