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rating
Ludopedia
8.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love to cooperate in adventurous settings, this expansion will get you excited!
Highlights
- Engaging cooperation
- Unique powers
- Light expansion
- Quality components
Keep in mind
- Language requirement
- Base game dependency
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Chain Mail: Alternate Characters adds a fresh layer of excitement to the already vibrant world of Earthshine, where a colossal meteor opened a chasm that turned into a maze of underground mysteries. In the expansion, you assemble a team of adventurers, each with unique abilities – Doyle the fearless, Lynnoe the skilled archer, Tsarra the healing cleric, Talil the cunning thief, Saulee the protective shepherd, Raz the ingenious craftsman, Katon the daring musketier, Kessel the enigmatic witch, Arkenn the brute, Nujira the perceptive astrologer, and the powerful Wizard – to tackle the endless quests that emerge beneath the surface. The game retains the cooperative core of the original, where all players work together against the game system, but now each character brings variable powers that alter each game’s strategy. The materials include a set of detailed cards, resource tokens, damage tokens, and a modular board representing Earthshine’s dark corridors. With a 60‑minute playtime, each session is intense and full of tactical decisions, while player count ranges from 1 to 4, allowing both solo and team play. Verbally, the expansion offers a light yet deep experience that demands constant communication and strategic planning. If you already love the adventure vibe of Chain Mail, Alternate Characters will give you new stories and challenges to explore, maintaining the same quality and camaraderie fans expect.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Button Shy
Designer
Jason Greeno, Jason Tagmire
Artist
Marty Cobb
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
1 to 4 players, allowing solo or team play.
What is the typical playtime?
About 60 minutes, perfect for intense yet quick sessions.
What are the main components?
Detailed cards, resource and damage tokens, and a modular board depicting Earthshine’s corridors.
Do I need the base game to play this expansion?
Yes, the expansion relies on the base game Chain Mail – Adventures of Earthshine.
What are the standout mechanics?
Cooperation and variable powers that change each player’s strategy.
Is the expansion suitable for beginners?
Yes, it preserves the base game’s simplicity while adding strategic depth.