Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A frantic, themed roll-and-write for those who love testing their luck!
Highlights
- Fast-paced and highly dynamic
- Visually stunning theme
- Constant risk tension
- Perfect for travel
Keep in mind
- Highly dependent on dice luck
- Can be frustrating for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wanted a quick game you can play anywhere that keeps your heart racing? Calavera is exactly that! Inspired by the vibrant Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, this is a classic roll-and-write that doesn't underestimate anyone. The goal is simple: you want to fill your sheet with as many colored crosses as possible. The more crosses you mark, the more points you accumulate. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast! The game features a 'push your luck' element that can be quite treacherous. The real challenge is deciding the perfect moment to stop. If you get too greedy and try to chase that one extra point, you might stumble straight into the dreaded 'Death Zone.' If that happens, your valuable points could simply melt away, turning a high score into a massive loss or even negative points. It's pure risk management, where every die roll counts and every mark on the paper must be strategic to avoid disaster. You need to analyze the dice results and find the perfect spot on your sheet to ensure your score stays safe. It's fast, intense, and perfect for those who love luck-based games with a touch of positioning strategy. Ideal for a quick, dynamic game between rounds, without wasting time on complex rules, but with enough tension to keep everyone on edge until the very last second.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
moses. Verlag GmbH, Reflexshop, Tucker's Fun Factory B.V.
Designer
Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
Artist
Kreativbunker
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,383owners
189wishlist
17want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
Super quick! Usually between 20 to 25 minutes.
How complex is the game?
Very low. It's an entry-level game, perfect for beginners or casual sessions.
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players, though it's great with just 2.
Do I need much table space?
Not at all! Since it's paper and pencil, you can play anywhere.
Is it very luck-dependent?
Yes, dice luck is a big factor, but the strategy of where to mark and when to stop is what wins the game.
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