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rating
Ludopedia
8.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you love terrain control and creative promotions, the Shada expansion will blow your mind.
Highlights
- Strategic terrain control
- Versatile promotions
- Spire integration
- Tech depth
- Engaging coop
Keep in mind
- Longer playtime
- Tactical complexity
- Learning curve
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Cloudspire: Shada – Faction Expansion brings the latest elemental faction to the Cloudspire universe: the Shada. Unlike any other faction, Shada minions can move on a specific terrain type in addition to regular paths, forcing players to view the map from a fresh perspective. Each minion has a unique ability that activates only when it occupies its designated terrain, while the faction’s spires gain bonuses when placed on suitable terrain, adding another layer of spatial strategy. Fortress upgrades amplify these bonuses by linking command points (CP) and multiple terrain types to spire placement, making every unit positioning decision even more critical. A standout feature of the expansion is its exclusive promotion system. The four basic minion types—stone, wind, fire, and water—can combine to create new units such as steam (fire + water) and dust (wind + stone). These new creatures receive expanded terrain permissions and additional abilities, allowing players to adapt their tactics to each game. Fortress upgrades not only boost the effectiveness of these promotions but also grant source rewards that further power your units. For the boldest players, a Bioweapon die lets you combine already promoted units for explosive results that can swing the game in an instant. The expansion preserves Cloudspire’s core cooperative, action‑queue gameplay, with dice rolls, modular board, secret unit deployment, solo options, tech tracks, and tile placement. With 1 to 4 players and a playtime ranging from 90 to 180 minutes, Shada delivers strategic depth and replayability for those who enjoy dynamic maps and maximizing unit potential. If you’re a fan of exploration, fantasy, and terrain‑control mechanics, the Shada expansion will add a fresh layer of fun to your Cloudspire repertoire.
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Chip Theory Games
Designer
Adam Carlson, Josh J. Carlson, Josh Wielgus, Ryan Howard
Artist
Anthony LeTourneau, Jared Blando
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
1 to 4 players.
What is the approximate game duration?
Between 90 and 180 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
What is the difficulty level?
Moderate to advanced; requires attention to terrain rules and promotions.
What components are included in the expansion?
Shada miniatures, promotion cards, Bioweapon dice, terrain tiles, fortress upgrades, and spire components.
Does the expansion only work with the base Cloudspire game?
Yes, it is designed to be added to the base Cloudspire game.
Can it be played solo?
Yes, there are solo/solitaire modes with adapted cards and challenges.