# Cloudspire: Keel – Faction Expansion

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: 8.7
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-4
- **Duration**: 90-180 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Adam Carlson, Josh J. Carlson, Josh Wielgus, Logan Giannini
- **Artists**: Anthony LeTourneau, Jared Blando
- **Publishers**: Chip Theory Games
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Exploration, Fantasy
- **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling, Modular Board, Secret Unit Deployment, Solo / Solitaire Game, Tech Trees / Tech Tracks, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Perfect for those seeking more tactical depth and heroes with powerful combos. Territory control here is visceral.Unique unit promotion mechanicVery dynamic hero abilitiesIncreases base game replayabilityStrongly themed faction designLearning curve for new playersRequires strict positioning managementRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you're already a fan of Cloudspire, get ready to dive into the darkness with the Keel expansion. Here, the strategy revolves around one core concept: spire manipulation. For the Keel faction, spires aren't just landmarks on the map; they are the very source of their power. Representing void-based technology, these spires are the only way for Keel units to transform into their promoted versions, turning them into devastating war machines. But beware: this power is volatile. If your minion leaves the island hex containing the spire, it immediately reverts to its non-promoted state. In short, maintaining a firm grip on the Source wells is essential for survival and dominance.

Beyond the spire mechanics, the expansion introduces heroes that completely shift the game's dynamics. There's Chira, who can boost the faction's Command Points (CP), and General Eko, who is so imposing that he functions as a spire himself. A special mention goes to Chira's 'Poise' ability, which allows you to increase or decrease your minions' movement stats. This opens up an incredible strategic range, letting you hold your forces back for a coordinated strike or accelerate your advance to secure victory before the enemy even realizes what happened. It's the perfect expansion for those looking to add a layer of tactical complexity and dynamic heroes to the conflict of Ankar.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is a faction expansion, so you need the original Cloudspire to use it.

### Does the game become much more complex with Keel?
It adds new tactical layers, especially regarding spire placement, but stays true to the base game's essence.

### Does the expansion work well in solo mode?
Yes, the new mechanics and heroes integrate perfectly with the solo game rules.

### Is there a lot of text to read during the game?
No, language dependency is low, with short and easily memorizable text.

### Who is this expansion recommended for?
For those who enjoy expert-level strategy games and want to test new ways of controlling the map.

## Price Comparison
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