7.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love card games that make you think with every move, Elysium is a feast of combos and tough decisions in Olympus!
Highlights
- Numerous combo possibilities
- Deep and elegant strategy
- Immersive Greek theme
- Impactful decisions each turn
- High replayability guaranteed
Keep in mind
- Subtle 'take that' elements
- Initial learning curve
- Requires long-term planning
RECOMMENDED
Hey there, demigod! In Elysium, Mythic Greece calls you to an epic adventure where you, an aspiring deity, seek the favor of the mighty Olympian gods to become a legend yourself. Your mission? Gather legendary heroes and powerful artifacts, please the gods, and channel their energy to write your own immortal saga. The ultimate goal is to guide your allies to the glorious Elysium, home of the brave, for in the end, only one demigod will be chosen to stand alongside Zeus.
This is a game of set collection and combos that will really make you think! You'll recruit cards representing heroes, magical items, divine powers, and, of course, the gods themselves. Each card has unique abilities, and the secret is to create powerful combinations to accumulate gold (divine aid) and victory points (the gods' favor). Cards are organized into 'families' (each linked to one of the eight Olympian gods) and have a level from 1 to 3. Over five intense rounds, your challenge will be to transfer your best cards to Elysium, forming 'Legends' – series of cards from the same family or from different families but of the same level. The grander your Legend, the more divine favor you earn. But beware: when moving to Elysium, most cards lose their powers, forcing you to give up some of your strongest combinations! It's a game of delicate balance and emerging opportunities, with simple actions that hide constant dilemmas and quite complex strategies.
This is a game of set collection and combos that will really make you think! You'll recruit cards representing heroes, magical items, divine powers, and, of course, the gods themselves. Each card has unique abilities, and the secret is to create powerful combinations to accumulate gold (divine aid) and victory points (the gods' favor). Cards are organized into 'families' (each linked to one of the eight Olympian gods) and have a level from 1 to 3. Over five intense rounds, your challenge will be to transfer your best cards to Elysium, forming 'Legends' – series of cards from the same family or from different families but of the same level. The grander your Legend, the more divine favor you earn. But beware: when moving to Elysium, most cards lose their powers, forcing you to give up some of your strongest combinations! It's a game of delicate balance and emerging opportunities, with simple actions that hide constant dilemmas and quite complex strategies.
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
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Elysium - How To Play, by Watch It Played
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Unboxing Elysium
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Dwiggy's Demos presents Elysium
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Elysium unboxing with 8 alt-art promo cards by Bob Mills
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Play through of Elysium Park 1
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Elysium - How to play
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Elysium ... Setup and Rules by the Crabby Dice
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Tom Teaches Elysium (Setup)
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how to play Elysoum by boardgame nation
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Play Through Elysium Part 2
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Space Cowboys, asmodee, Asterion Press, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer
Brett J. Gilbert, Matthew Dunstan
Artist
Cari, Didier Poli, Eric Bourgier, John McCambridge, Sylvain Guinebaud, Vincent Dutrait
Is Elysium a complex game for beginners?
Well, the basic actions are super simple, but the strategy behind how you combine cards and decide what to send to Elysium is quite deep. It's not a 'gateway' game, but if you already have some board game experience, you'll catch on quickly and enjoy the challenge!
What's the best player count for Elysium?
Elysium shines at all player counts! With 2 players, it's a more direct and tactical duel. With 3 or 4, interaction and card contention become more intense, and the subtle 'take that' might be felt more. You can't go wrong, the experience is good at any number.
Does the game have much player interaction?
Yes, quite a bit! Interaction mainly happens during the card drafting phase and when choosing turn order. You'll constantly be eyeing what your opponents need to try and 'snatch' that essential card or block a combination. It's indirect, but very strategic interaction.
How long does a game of Elysium last?
A game typically takes between 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules. It's an ideal length for a strategic experience without being exhaustive.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the components are of great quality! The cards are well-illustrated and durable, and the tokens are functional. The artwork is a highlight and greatly aids immersion in the Greek theme.
Does Elysium have expansions?
No, Elysium is a complete game on its own and does not have official expansions. The high variability of cards and god families already ensures tremendous replayability without needing more content.