Artifact

White Goblin Games · Board game · 2013
Ludopedia 5.7 BGG 3–5 · best 5 60 min Weight 2.7/5
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rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

For those who love thematic strategy and a race for prestige!

Highlights
  • Smart resource management
  • Engaging archaeology theme
  • Deep strategic depth
  • Great scalability with expansions
Keep in mind
  • May be heavy for beginners
  • Can be highly competitive
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Picture yourself in the early 20th century. The atmosphere is electric with competition: the world's leading museums in Europe and America are locked in a fierce race to secure the most prestigious artifacts from every corner of the globe. In Artifact, you step into the shoes of an ambitious archaeologist, launching expeditions to remote sites to uncover treasures that will wow any curator. But don't be fooled; the life of an explorer is about much more than just digging in the dirt; it's about intense strategy and resource management. You'll need to meticulously plan your travels, manage your budget, and curate stunning exhibitions to secure funding for your next big dig. Prestige is your ticket to victory, but the path to glory is anything but easy. Sometimes, the pressure to win might lead you to the shady corners of the black market to snag that one missing piece for your collection. Competition among players is tight, making every decision critical: will you play it safe or risk everything for a legendary find? The game offers deep strategic layers, allowing you to start with a streamlined base game or dive into a much richer experience by incorporating the expansions. If you're looking for a highly thematic strategy game where every choice carries weight, Artifact is your next must-play. It's a perfect blend of long-term planning and immediate competitive tension, ensuring every session feels like a race against time and rivals.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 OK
4 REC
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Theme: Archaeology / Paleontology
Publisher White Goblin Games
Designer Bernd Eisenstein, Jeffrey D. Allers
Artist Christophe Swal

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
What is the average playtime?
Usually around 60 minutes, but it varies depending on the chosen complexity.
Is the game very complex?
The base game is accessible, but expansions add layers that make it much denser.
How many players is it best for?
It works great with 3 to 5 players; competition is ideal with more people.
Do I need to buy the expansions?
No, the base game is complete, but expansions make it much richer.
What is the gameplay style?
It's a strategy game focused on hand management, set collection, and exploration.

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