# Hardback

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: #1332
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 45-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.09 / 5
- **Designers**: Jeff Beck (II), Tim Fowers
- **Artists**: Ryan Goldsberry
- **Publishers**: Fowers Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Word Game
- **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Delayed Purchase, Open Drafting, Push Your Luck, Race, Spelling

## Verdict
If you enjoy word games with a deck-building twist and don't mind a good language challenge, Hardback is a great pick! It's a game that makes you think and take risks.Creative deck buildingFun word mechanicsVaried modes (solo/coop)Any card can be wildHigh language dependencyInitial learning curveRECOMMENDED

## Description
Hey board game fans! If you enjoy forming words and building a card deck that leads you to glory, Hardback is the right choice. Imagine this: you're a 19th-century writer, trying to make your next masterpiece a hit and, of course, earn some prestige points. The goal is straightforward: be the first to reach 60 fame points, and to do that, you'll build a deck with letters that have special powers. The cool part is that any card can act as a 'wildcard,' which offers awesome flexibility! 

The game encourages you to be bold with the 'ink' system, letting you risk drawing more cards – but be careful not to get tangled up and unable to form any words! Matching the genre colors of the cards gives you an extra boost, and there are some 'timeless classic' cards that stay in play until someone uses them. 

For those who love to compete, the classic mode for 2 to 5 players is pure adrenaline. But if your group prefers to team up, there's a cooperative mode for 1 to 4 players where you face a simulated 'villain.' Oh, and for solo players, the game also includes rules for a solo mode. Hardback is a card game with deck-building and a word focus, perfect for those who aren't afraid of a good challenge and love a sharp vocabulary. It's a game that heavily relies on language, so you know what that means – time to brush up on your English!

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for Hardback?
A game of Hardback typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.

### How many players can participate?
Hardback can be played by 1 to 5 players, with both competitive and cooperative modes available.

### Is the game very complex?
The game's average complexity is considered moderate (2.09/5 on BGG). The basic rules are accessible, but mastering deck-building strategies and card usage takes time.

### Do I need to know English to play Hardback?
Yes, Hardback requires a good command of English, as word formation and card text are essential to the gameplay.

### Who is Hardback recommended for?
It's recommended for fans of word games, deck-building, and those who enjoy 'push your luck' and race mechanics. Ideal for players with a good English vocabulary.

### Is there a solo mode?
Yes, the base game includes rules for a solo mode, allowing you to play against simulated opponents.

### Is Hardback an expansion for Paperback?
No, Hardback is a prequel to Paperback, meaning it tells a story set before Paperback's events. However, both are standalone games in the same series.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 47.16 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4356793&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/24175/hardback?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com