Faraway

Catch Up Games, Across the Board, Blackrock Games · Board game · 2023
2–6 · best 3 15–30 min Weight 1.9/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 20.46
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy fast-paced card games with a puzzle twist and deep strategic planning, Faraway is an excellent choice that will surprise you!

Highlights
  • Innovative scoring mechanic
  • Deep strategic planning
  • Quick and dynamic games
  • Clever indirect interaction
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • May take a few plays to grasp
  • Card drafting decisions are tense
  • Theme might be abstract for some
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Get ready for an adventure in Alula, a mysterious continent that transforms with each season! In Faraway, your goal is to explore this enigmatic land, uncover its secrets, meet its peculiar inhabitants, and catalog its wonders to surpass your opponents in fame. In each game, you build a sequence of eight cards in front of you, from left to right, representing the regions you visit. The creatures and elements on these cards grant victory points, but here's the twist: the conditions for scoring will only be met by cards you play *after* them. At the end of the game, scoring happens in the reverse order that the cards were played, meaning from right to left. This means the cards you play serve both to establish new objectives and to fulfill the requirements of cards you've already placed. Each turn, you play a card from your hand of three and then choose a new card from an open 'river' of cards. And here's a strategic challenge: the game is simultaneous, but the selection order is crucial! Being the last to pick a card can leave you with less advantageous options for subsequent turns, so every decision matters. It's a game that makes you think ahead, planning not only what you'll pick but also what you'll leave for others. A true dance between exploration and optimizing your card line!
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Faraway English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Game Park Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Faraway Mechanism: Card Line
Publisher Catch Up Games, Across the Board, Blackrock Games, BoardGamePlanet, BoardM Factory, CMON Global Limited
Designer Corentin Lebrat, Johannes Goupy
Artist Maxime Morin
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Faraway support and what is the average game time?
Faraway is super flexible, it can be played by 2 to 6 people. Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, perfect to fit into any schedule!
What is the complexity level of the game? Is it easy to learn?
It has a BGG weight of 1.9386, which means it's a light to medium game. The basic rules are easy to pick up, but the strategic depth of the reverse scoring challenges you every game.
Is the reverse scoring mechanic difficult to understand?
At first, it might seem a bit counter-intuitive, but it's the heart of the game! You play cards from left to right, but score from right to left. This forces you to plan your moves thinking about both the future and the past simultaneously. It's a guaranteed 'aha!' moment.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Interaction is more indirect, but super important! Since you draft cards from a common 'river' and the order of selection matters, you're always keeping an eye on what your opponents need and what you can 'deny' them. It's a delightful tension!
Who is Faraway best suited for?
It's ideal for anyone looking for a fast-paced card game with plenty of strategy and a unique scoring mechanic. If you enjoy puzzles and optimizing your moves, you'll have a lot of fun exploring Alula!
What are the main components of the game?
Faraway is essentially a card game. You'll have a main deck of region cards and sanctuary cards, which are the central elements for your exploration and scoring.
Does the game have expansions or future plans?
Currently, the base game offers a complete and highly replayable experience. Keep an eye on BoardGameBot news for future updates on the world of Alula!