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rating
Ludopedia
6.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fans of quick area control and strategy will love Nexus — the highlight is the blend of influence and tile placement in a pocket‑friendly format.
Highlights
- Dynamic area control
- Strategic tile placement
- Portable format
Keep in mind
- Attention to placement details required
- Winner needs 10 points
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Nexus, released in 2001, is an abstract strategy game that fits right in your pocket—and in your fun. Two to four players battle it out in just 20 minutes, where quick thinking and area control are key. Each player receives cards with printed nodes and, by arranging these nodes in a basket-weave pattern, a Nexus is formed. When a card closes a Nexus, the player with the greatest influence on that Nexus scores points equal to the strength of all open nodes. The goal is simple: be the first to reach 10 points. Area majority/influence mechanics blend with tile placement, creating a gameplay experience that demands both strategy and rapid adaptation. Despite its simplicity, Nexus offers enough depth to keep players engaged, especially when played in rounds where each decision can swing the game. As part of the Hip Pocket Games series, the game is compact, easy to set up, and portable, letting you bring the fun anywhere. If you enjoy games that require fast reasoning and territory control, Nexus is a sure bet. Prepare your basket, line up your nodes, and see who dominates the Nexus!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Cheapass Games
Designer
James Ernest
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Nexus?
The game supports 2 to 4 players per session.
What is the typical game length?
Each game lasts about 20 minutes, perfect for quick play sessions.
Is Nexus complex or easy to learn?
It features simple mechanics but offers strategic depth in area control, making it both accessible and challenging.
What components are included?
The set contains cards with nodes, game pieces, and a compact board.
Who is Nexus recommended for?
It's ideal for fans of abstract strategy, territory control, and pocket‑size games.
How does scoring work?
When a Nexus is closed, the player with the greatest influence earns points equal to the strength of all open nodes in that Nexus.
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