Innovation: Figures in the Sand

Asmadi Games · Board game · 2013
8.5 Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 2–6 · best 2 30–75 min Weight 3.1/5
Buy · from US$ 10.99
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG

What do you want to do now

Ask questions about the game

Ask anything about Innovation: Figures in the Sand: rules, setup, components, complexity, price, or whether it fits your group.

New conversation 0/1200
Example questions
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love Innovation, you’ll enjoy the extra historical layer and unpredictable karmas.

Highlights
  • Fun historical figures
  • Karmas that shift gameplay
  • Stealable decrees
Keep in mind
  • One‑figure limit can feel restrictive
  • Extra learning curve
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Innovation: Figures in the Sand is the first Innovation expansion that swaps abstract inventions for real historical personalities. It adds 105 figure cards split across ten ages, each age containing five colors, just like the base deck. Every figure carries a "karma" – an effect that triggers at specific moments such as when you meld the card, when you count icons to share an action, or during other game actions. These karmas can alter scoring, return cards to the age deck, or even block an opponent's abilities. The set also brings five Decree cards, one per color, which act as special achievements but are not safe: they can be stolen by other players. A key rule is that each player may only have one figure in play; any additional figure fades away to the player's score pile. Figures in the Sand can be played solo with the base game or combined with the Echoes of the Past expansion, further expanding the toolbox. The expansion preserves Innovation’s fast‑paced flow while adding extra strategic depth through fickle figures and vulnerable decrees, making every game feel fresh and historically flavored.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Innovation: Figures in the Sand English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Innovation
Publisher Asmadi Games
Designer Carl Chudyk
Artist Alanna Cervenak, Cara Judd

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, just like the base game.
What’s the typical play time?
Around 30–75 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity.
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, Figures in the Sand is an expansion that requires Innovation.
Can I combine it with Echoes of the Past?
Absolutely; the two expansions are fully compatible.
How complex is the expansion?
Moderate; veterans of Innovation pick it up quickly, while newcomers face a slight learning curve.
How many cards are included?
105 figure cards, 5 Decree cards, plus a few auxiliary tokens.
Are the cards available in Portuguese?
The standard version is English‑only; you’ll need translated cards or a reference sheet for Portuguese play.