Arctic Scavengers

Driftwood Games, Rio Grande Games, Ystari Games · Board game · 2009

2–5 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 2.3/5

6.4 rating Ludopedia

6.7 rating BGG

Buy

6.4 rating Ludopedia

6.7 rating BGG

Buy Ask about Rules

Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

Looking for a tense card game with a post-apocalyptic survival theme? Arctic Scavengers will have you bluffing and deck-building to ensure your tribe doesn't freeze out.

Highlights

Engaging deck-building
Constant tension and bluffing
Chilling post-apocalyptic theme
Direct player interaction

Keep in mind

Can be a bit chaotic
Luck can influence outcomes
Rules might confuse initially

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

In the year 2097, Earth's climate took a nosedive, plunging the globe into a new ice age. With about 90% of humanity wiped out, survivors banded together into tribes. In Arctic Scavengers, you're the leader of one such tribe, vying for survival against up to four other groups. Resources are scarce – think tools, medicine, and mercenaries – and every bit counts. Your goal? To have the largest tribe by the game's end. You'll need to build up your tribe's strength, manage your hand of cards effectively, and engage in open drafting to snag the best available resources and allies. The game throws you into direct confrontations with other players, but there's also a strong bluffing element. Can you outwit your opponents, or will your tribe freeze out? It's a tense card game where strategic decision-making and a well-timed bluff can be the difference between victory and becoming a frozen relic.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players

2 OK

3 REC

4 BEST

5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Driftwood Games, Rio Grande Games, Ystari Games

Designer Robert K. Gabhart

Artist Martin Hoffmann, Matt Burton

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

What is the average playtime?

A game of Arctic Scavengers typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.

How many players can participate?

The game is for 2 to 5 players, with interaction and tension increasing with more participants.

Is it a difficult game to learn?

The complexity is considered moderate (BGG weight 2.27/5). The core mechanics are accessible, but mastering the strategy and bluffing might take a few plays.

What are the main components?

The game primarily consists of cards, representing resources, mercenaries, events, and actions. There are also tokens and a round tracker.

Who is this game recommended for?

It's ideal for those who enjoy card games with deck-building, direct interaction, a touch of bluffing, and a survival theme in a harsh environment.

Is there a solo mode?

The base game does not have a solo mode, but some expansions may add this functionality.

Does luck play a significant role?

Luck is present in card draws and events, but hand management, deck building, and bluffing are crucial for mitigating randomness and securing victory.