Crescent Moon

Osprey Games, Cranio Creations, Fox in the Box · Board game · 2022
4–5 · best 5 150–180 min Weight 3.8/5
7.1 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
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7.1 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy strategy games with high player interaction, asymmetric powers, and an engaging theme, Crescent Moon might be your next obsession. Get ready to negotiate, conquer, and betray!

Highlights
  • Highly asymmetric player powers
  • High interaction and negotiation
  • Modular and replayable board
  • Immersive Arabian theme
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Complexity requires dedication
  • Can be intimidating initially
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Dive into the Caliphate's power struggle in Crescent Moon! This area control game casts you as one of five powerful leaders, each with unique secret objectives and game-changing abilities. Get ready for three years of political intrigue and epic battles where every action matters. Will you expand your territory, recruit mercenaries, build fortifications, or use your influence to sabotage rivals? The choice is yours!

Featuring a modular board that ensures every game is a fresh experience and a shared market of cards offering new tactics each round, the tension only builds. Negotiation is key: who will be your temporary allies, and whom will you betray? Each year concludes with scoring based on individual goals, and in the end, the player with the most points claims the title of the great conqueror. Crescent Moon is a treat for those who enjoy games with high player interaction, asymmetric powers, and deep strategy, but be warned: the playtime is long, and the complexity demands attention. It's one of those games that keeps you thinking about your moves long after it's over, perfect for those who aren't afraid of a challenge and enjoy watching empires rise and fall.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
4 REC
5 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Components: Wooden pieces & boards Region: Middle East
Publisher Osprey Games, Cranio Creations, Fox in the Box, Game Harbor, Giant Roc, Portal Games
Designer Steven Mathers
Artist Navid Rahman
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Crescent Moon?
Expect it to take between 150 to 180 minutes, so set aside a good afternoon or evening to play!
How many players is Crescent Moon for?
It's designed for 4 or 5 players, where the interaction and negotiation really shine.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
The complexity is considered medium-high (3.75/5 weight on BGG). The basic rules are accessible, but mastering the strategies and the interactions between the asymmetric powers takes time.
Are the characters really different from each other?
Yes! Asymmetry is one of the game's strong points. Each leader has unique objectives, actions, and powers that completely change how you play.
Do I need to like war games to enjoy Crescent Moon?
Not necessarily. Although there is combat and area control, politics, negotiation, and resource management are equally important. It's more a game of power and influence than purely military.
Does the board change each game?
Yes, the board is modular, meaning the pieces can be arranged differently, ensuring each game has a distinct map and increasing replayability.