# Dominion: Alchemy ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2010 - **BGG Rating**: 6.9 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 30 min - **Weight**: 2.45 / 5 - **Designers**: Donald X. Vaccarino - **Artists**: Alex Drummond, Antonio Catalán, Claus Stephan, Franz Vohwinkel, Harald Lieske, Jacob Corn, Julien Delval, Kieron O'Gorman, Klemens Franz, Marcel-André Casasola Merkle, Martin Hoffmann, Matthias Catrein, Ryan Laukat, Simon Jannerland - **Publishers**: Rio Grande Games, 999 Games, Albi, Devir, Filosofia Éditions, Giochi Uniti, Hans im Glück, Hobby Japan, Lautapelit.fi, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd. - **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Medieval - **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Delayed Purchase, Hand Management, Open Drafting ## Verdict Dominion fans will love the alchemy twist and delayed buying.Smart delayed purchaseCard stash mechanicFun themeNot standaloneRequires base or IntrigueHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Dominion: Alchemy is the expansion that brings alchemy into the beloved Dominion deck‑building universe. If you already know the base or Intrigue, you’ll notice the novelty lies in turning victory cards into something more valuable and in buying cards in a more strategic way. The game keeps the classic pool‑draft mechanic, but adds the ability to "stash" cards in bags that can only be used after a turn—this adds a long‑term planning twist that wasn’t there before. Deck building remains the heart of the game, but now you have to decide whether to use a card immediately or hold it for a critical moment. The alchemy theme brings a colorful and fun visual with cards that look like vials, ingredients, and potions. Overall, the expansion keeps Dominion’s simplicity while adding layers of strategy that appeal to both new players and veterans looking for something fresh. If you enjoy experimenting with new ways to buy cards and using timing to your advantage, Dominion: Alchemy will be a solid addition to your collection. The game can be played with 2 to 4 players and lasts about 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions or as a complement to a longer game night. The components are the same as the base: gold, victory, and curse cards, plus alchemy cards that bring new buying options and long‑term effects. While not as complex as some of the more advanced expansions, the addition of bags and delayed purchase will require attention and planning, especially in games with more players. In short, Dominion: Alchemy keeps the essence of Dominion—deck building, buying, and strategy—while introducing a “stash” element that changes how you think about the future of your deck. If you love deck‑building mechanics and want to try something that adds depth to your planning, this expansion is a solid choice. ## FAQ ### How many players can play Dominion: Alchemy? 2 to 4 players. ### What is the typical playtime? About 30 minutes. ### Do I need any other expansion to play? Yes, you need the Dominion base or the Intrigue expansion; it does not run on its own. ### What new mechanics does it add? Card stashing in bags and delayed purchase. ### Are the components different from the base game? No, they use the same gold, victory, and curse cards, plus the alchemy cards. ### Does it increase complexity compared to the base game? A bit, because delayed buying and stashing require more planning, but it remains accessible. ### Who is the ideal audience for this expansion? Players familiar with Dominion who want to try new deck‑building strategies. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 23.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=938305&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/8/dominion-alchemy?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com