Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
The perfect adrenaline shot for Embers fans!
Highlights
- Fresh reinforcement strategies
- Unique hero abilities
- Massive replayability boost
Keep in mind
- Requires the base game
- Strictly solo experience
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About the game
What you do in a play session
You know that moment when the battle is raging, monsters are closing in on the camp, and you think, 'Man, I really need some backup right now'? Well, Embers: The New Guard is here to solve exactly that! This expansion brings fresh energy to the Embers universe, introducing three brand-new heroes who are definitely not here to play around. Each one comes with unique maneuvers and special abilities that can completely shift the tide of your fight against the forest's vicious creatures.
But it's not just 'ore of the same.' The real game-changer here is the introduction of the Reserve Heroes mechanic. During setup, you place two upgraded heroes in your tent, but they don't jump into the fray immediately. They wait there, ready for the right moment! To deploy them to the battlefield, you must meet specific reinforcement requirements dictated by reinforcement cards (there are 12 possible requirement combinations, so there's plenty of variety to keep you on your toes). Once you meet the criteria, your reserve hero finally joins the party, providing that crucial extra strength when things get intense.
Your ultimate goal remains unchanged: survive until dawn without letting your Fire Cards run out. However, depending on the difficulty level you choose, you'll also need to fulfill a certain number of reinforcement requirements to secure a victory. It becomes a game of risk management and timing: do you focus purely on survival, or do you strategize to bring those powerful reinforcements into play? If you already love the base game, this expansion is the perfect spice to keep the flame burning much longer. It's fast, intense, and perfect for those 'just one more game' sessions before bed!
But it's not just 'ore of the same.' The real game-changer here is the introduction of the Reserve Heroes mechanic. During setup, you place two upgraded heroes in your tent, but they don't jump into the fray immediately. They wait there, ready for the right moment! To deploy them to the battlefield, you must meet specific reinforcement requirements dictated by reinforcement cards (there are 12 possible requirement combinations, so there's plenty of variety to keep you on your toes). Once you meet the criteria, your reserve hero finally joins the party, providing that crucial extra strength when things get intense.
Your ultimate goal remains unchanged: survive until dawn without letting your Fire Cards run out. However, depending on the difficulty level you choose, you'll also need to fulfill a certain number of reinforcement requirements to secure a victory. It becomes a game of risk management and timing: do you focus purely on survival, or do you strategize to bring those powerful reinforcements into play? If you already love the base game, this expansion is the perfect spice to keep the flame burning much longer. It's fast, intense, and perfect for those 'just one more game' sessions before bed!
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Categories
Families
Publisher
Button Shy
Designer
Steven Aramini
Artist
Steven De Waele
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
546owners
14wishlist
6want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Can I play this alone?
Yes! This game is designed for a solo experience, perfect for those who love a single-player challenge.
Do I need the base game?
Absolutely. This is an expansion, so you will need the base game to play it.
How long does a game take?
It's super quick! Sessions usually last between 15 and 20 minutes.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. If you already know the base game, you'll pick up the new reinforcement mechanic in no time.
What's included in the box?
The expansion includes the new heroes and the reinforcement cards that introduce the new mechanics.