Karmaka

Hemisphere Games, Chronicle Books, FoxGames · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 2 25–60 min Weight 1.9/5
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 32.38
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Karmaka is a fun, tactical card game for those who enjoy a bit of "take that" with a spiritual twist. If you like planning for the future while messing with opponents, you'll enjoy it!

Highlights
  • Unique and engaging theme
  • Direct player interaction
  • Strategic life cycle
  • Interesting hand building
Keep in mind
  • Can be a bit chaotic
  • Language dependency on cards
  • Luck can influence
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a spiritual and competitive journey in Karmaka, a card game that takes you through multiple reincarnations! Created by the developers of Osmos, Karmaka puts you in the shoes of a humble Dung Beetle, tasked with ascending the cosmic ladder. In each life (or hand of cards), you'll face the challenge of accumulating points to climb the "Karmic Progression," stashing valuable cards for your next existence, and of course, using card abilities to benefit yourself or hinder opponents. The key twist is that your actions have echoes: a card you use for a powerful effect might end up in an opponent's "Future Life," coming back to haunt you later. It's a constant cycle of sowing good (or bad) to reap the consequences, both in this life and the next. The goal is to achieve "Transcendence" before anyone else, but the path is winding and full of twists. Karmaka combines strategic hand management with building your deck (or rather, your destiny), all wrapped in a unique and thought-provoking theme. Can you climb the ladder and secure a better future, or will your own actions condemn you to an eternal cycle of bad karma? Gather your friends and find out who has the highest karma!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Religious: Buddhism
Publisher Hemisphere Games, Chronicle Books, FoxGames, Gameland 游戏大陆, Lumberjacks Studio
Designer Dave Burke, Eddy Boxerman
Artist Dave Burke, Eddy Boxerman, Lane Brown, Marco Bucci, Scott Nicely

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,083owners
415wishlist
36want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
Is Karmaka a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are quite straightforward, focusing on playing cards for points or abilities. Complexity increases with interactions and long-term planning, but the initial learning curve is very smooth.
How long does a game of Karmaka take?
A game of Karmaka typically lasts between 25 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering different experiences in each player count.
Do I need to know about Buddhism to play?
No! While the theme is inspired by Buddhist concepts like karma and reincarnation, the game is fully accessible to those without prior knowledge of the religion.
Are translated cards necessary?
Yes, the game has language dependency on the cards. It's recommended to use a translated guide or stickers to facilitate gameplay.
Is it a game focused more on strategy or luck?
Karmaka balances strategy and luck well. Your decisions about which cards to play and keep are crucial, but card draws and opponent actions add an element of unpredictability.
Who would you recommend Karmaka to?
We recommend it to players who enjoy card games with direct interaction, tactical planning, and a unique theme. It's great for those who like games such as 'Res Arcana' or 'Ascension'.

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