# Cartographers: Map Pack Collection

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 7.9
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-100 (Best with: 3, 4)
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: John Brieger, Jordy Adan
- **Artists**: Lucas Ribeiro
- **Publishers**: Pegasus Spiele, Thunderworks Games, Grok Games, Intrafin Games, Raven Distribution
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Fantasy, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Bingo, End Game Bonuses, Grid Coverage, Line Drawing, Paper-and-Pencil

## Verdict
Perfect for those who own the base game and want new challenges without overcomplicating the rules. Adds thematic variety and fresh mechanics.New scenarios with unique rulesPlenty of map sheets includedSeamless integration with base gameIncreases the game's replayabilityRequires base game to playToo simple for those seeking depthRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you already enjoy drawing maps and optimizing every single square in Cartographers, get your pencils ready because the Map Pack Collection is here to upgrade your experience. This collection bundles three thematic maps that bring interesting twists, working seamlessly with both the base game and the Heroes version. It's not just 'more of the same'; each map changes the dynamic of how you approach the board.

First, we have Nebblis, where danger strikes from the ground. Here, volcanoes can erupt, and when volcano cards are revealed, you must mark destroyed spaces on your map, which can seriously mess up your scoring plans. Then, there's Affril, which takes us to an exotic plane with bat-mounted creatures and purple crystals. The twist here is fragmentation: you start on two islands and must spend coins to expand your mapping to the other islands of the archipelago.

Finally, Undercity plunges us into the depths. The challenge here is verticality: you must decide whether to draw your shapes entirely above ground or entirely below ground, but with one crucial detail: everything must remain connected. It's the kind of puzzle that makes you think twice before making a mark on the paper.

In total, you get 225 map sheets (75 for each scenario), plus new specific scoring cards. It's the perfect expansion for those who want to vary their strategy and test new ways to score without having to learn a completely new game from scratch. Whether exploring dwarven forges or underground rivers, the fun remains that frantic race to see who is the most efficient cartographer in the kingdom.

## How to Play
Game Objective
The objective of the game is to explore and map the Plane of Knowledge by drawing shapes on connected islands. Although the manual does not detail the specific victory condition, the game involves scoring over several seasons, and the overall goal is to achieve the highest possible score through efficient mapping and resource management.

Preparation (Setup)
To set up the game, follow these steps:

    Players must collectively decide which side of the Map Sheets (A1 or A2) will be used.
    Each player receives a Map Sheet.
    Use one of the specific Scoring Cards for these maps instead of the "patterns" type scoring card from the base game. The Heart of the Forest and Hillside Forest cards are incompatible with these maps.
    Before starting the game, each player fills in any connection point between two islands on their Map Sheet.


Game Flow
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Actions and How to Play
Drawing Shapes
Players can only draw shapes on connected islands. A connected island is an island that is linked to another island by a filled connection point.

Island Connections
A player can spend a coin at any time to fill a connection point between a connected island and a new island. If a player cannot legally draw any of the available shapes, they must spend a coin to fill a connection point before proceeding.

Spending Coins
To spend a coin, the player draws a line through a filled coin symbol on their coin track. Spent coins do not yield reputation stars at the end of each season.
If a player is forced to pay to fill a connection point and cannot do so, they gain a coin instead, but cannot draw the normal 1x1 square.

Trap Cards

    Multiplayer mode: Each player draws the indicated shape on any connected island on their neighbor's map. If not possible, they draw the shape on any island. If that is also not possible, they draw a 1x1 monster space on any island.
    Solo mode: Draw the shape represented on the island closest to the indicated corner of the map, using normal placement priority. If not possible, check the next island in the indicated direction. If it is not possible to draw the shape on any island, ignore the trap card.


End of Game and Scoring
Refer to the manual for details on this section.

Tips for Winning

    Manage your coins: Spending coins to connect islands is crucial for expanding your drawing options, but remember that spent coins do not contribute to reputation stars. Weigh the cost-benefit of each expenditure.
    Prioritize strategic connections: If you cannot legally draw any shapes, you will be forced to spend a coin to connect islands. Anticipate this need and try to make connections that open up more possibilities for future moves, rather than just reacting to a lack of options.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an expansion pack. You need Cartographers or Cartographers Heroes to use these maps.

### How many games can I play with this kit?
A lot! There are 225 map sheets in total (75 per scenario), so you can play for a long time before running out of paper.

### Does the game become harder with these maps?
The basic complexity remains the same, but each map adds a new restriction (like volcanoes or island division) that requires new strategies.

### Does it work with the Heroes version?
Yes, the collection is fully compatible with both the base game and the Heroes version.

### Is it suitable for casual gamers?
Absolutely. If someone already knows how to play the base game, adapting to these new maps is instant and very intuitive.

## Price Comparison
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