Golem Arcana

Harebrained Schemes, Pegasus Spiele · Board game · 2014
2–8 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.8/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy miniatures with a technological twist and tactical battles, Golem Arcana might be your jam! The app handles the complexity, keeping the focus on strategy.

Highlights
  • Innovative digital integration
  • Fantastic miniatures and art
  • Accessible tactical depth
  • High replayability with scenarios
Keep in mind
  • App dependency is key
  • Player elimination can sting
  • Expansions needed for more players
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready for epic battles with Golem Arcana, a miniatures game that cleverly blends the physical and digital! Here, you command armies of magical Golems, led by skilled Knights, and can even summon ancient beings for supernatural support. The stakes are high, with mechanics that seem complex but run smoothly thanks to an app handling all the paperwork: rules, scoring, and whatever else is needed. This keeps the game fast-paced and accessible to everyone, even with the tactical depth that veterans enjoy.

You build your squad by choosing Golems, Knights, Relics, and even Ancient Ones, seeking the perfect combination of abilities for your strategy. Golems are the backbone of your army, Relics provide special upgrades, and Knights (or Blood Knights) customize each Golem. Ancient Ones act as a general bonus for your army, unleashing incredible powers at the cost of mana. The map is assembled with terrain tiles, and you can play various scenarios, from 'Last Man Standing' to missions with victory points. The Action Point system gives you freedom to move your Golems, cast spells, and attack the enemy, in a contest that can eliminate players until only one champion remains.

The app, which is free, comes with plenty of digital units and allows for expansion with more Knights and Ancient Ones available for purchase. You can play with up to 8 people on a single device, and there's even a scenario creator for you to invent your own adventures. Expansions bring more Golems, Relics, and terrains, further boosting the game's variety and tactics. It's a unique experience where technology enhances tactical fun!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK
8 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required
Publisher Harebrained Schemes, Pegasus Spiele
Designer Brian Poel, Jordan Weisman, Michael Mulvihill, Seth Johnson, Zach Weisman
Artist Chris Rogers, Kian Chai NG
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Golem Arcana support?
The base game is for 2 players, but with expansions and the app, it can support up to 8 players in a single game.
Do I need a smartphone or tablet to play?
Yes, the game relies on a free app (for iOS and Android) that manages rules, digital units, and other gameplay aspects. A touchscreen device is essential.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
Despite the mechanics seeming complex, the app handles most of the management, making the game surprisingly accessible. The learning curve is moderate.
What comes in the box?
The base game includes a board, painted Golem miniatures, the stylus for the app, and access to the Golem Arcana app. Expansions add more miniatures and components.
Is the app available in multiple languages?
The game has moderate language dependency. While the app might have menus in English, you may need assistance with cards and digital units, or use a translated reference sheet.
Is this a game for strategy lovers?
Absolutely! Golem Arcana offers significant tactical depth with army customization and the use of Action Points for maneuvers and attacks.