Clockwork Wars: Academy & Volcano Bonus Tiles

Eagle-Gryphon Games · Board game · 2015
2–5 Weight 3.0/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're into steampunk strategy, this bonus set will excite you.

Highlights
  • Extra workers
  • Epic volcano chaos
  • Modular board fun
  • Clear reference card
  • Strong influence mechanic
Keep in mind
  • Missing core components
  • Requires translation
  • Game time may increase
  • Language dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Clockwork Wars: Academy & Volcano Bonus Tiles is the first of two tile‑set bonuses that emerged from the Kickstarter campaign for the base game. With just four new pieces, the expansion brings two Academy tiles that generate extra workers, allowing players to deploy more units each round, and two Volcano tiles that, when activated, unleash chaos by destroying workers and shifting the distribution of influence points. The "Secret Unit Deployment" mechanic places the volcanoes in hidden positions, revealing their effect only when activation conditions are met, adding a layer of surprise and tactical planning. Additionally, the set includes a double‑sided reference card made of thick cardboard, containing all the necessary rules for quick and easy use without consulting the base game manual. While it does not introduce new components beyond the tiles and reference card, the bonus can extend game time by about five to ten minutes, as each player must decide when to use Academy tiles and how to handle volcanic eruptions. The expansion keeps the complexity moderate, as players already manage workers, influence, and territories; the added tiles simply intensify those decisions. It’s ideal for those who already own Clockwork Wars and want to experiment with strategic variations, especially fans of steampunk themes and lava‑fire elements. If you enjoy games that blend civilization building, territory control, and tactical combat, this bonus will add a spicy twist to your game nights.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Theme: Steampunk Theme: Volcanoes
Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games
Designer Hassan Lopez

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

283owners
11wishlist
6want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can use this bonus?
The bonus is designed for 2 to 5 players, exactly like the base game. Each player can use the Academy and Volcano tiles according to their strategy.
What additional game time does the bonus add?
Typically, the bonus adds about 5 to 10 minutes to the average game time, depending on how long players spend deciding when to use the tiles.
Do I need a translation to use the bonus?
Yes, the reference card is in English, so if you don’t speak English you’ll need a translation or translated cards to fully enjoy it without hassle.
What components are included in the set?
The set contains four tiles (two Academy tiles and two Volcano tiles) and a double‑sided reference card made of thick cardboard. No other new components are added.
How does the volcano tile mechanic work?
Volcano tiles are placed in hidden positions. When an activation action occurs, the tile erupts, destroying workers and altering influence control in the affected area.
Can this bonus be used with the base game?
Yes, it was created specifically to be used with Clockwork Wars. You’ll need the base game, its original tiles, and the reference card to play.
What are the benefits of using this bonus?
It increases the number of workers available, adds unpredictable events with the volcanoes, and expands replayability with the modular board and influence mechanic.