8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a board game experience that goes far beyond a single session, Oath is a treat. It's a game that tells a story *you* build, with real consequences that extend over multiple plays.
Highlights
- Fascinating emergent narrative
- Infinite replayability
- Lasting impact of choices
- Robust solo mode
- Intense political interaction
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve
- May not appeal to everyone
- Long playtimes
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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In Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, you and your friends dive headfirst into the history of an ancient land, shaping its destiny with every game. Forget pre-written narratives; here, each session is a new and unpredictable chapter. You might be a loyal agent, bolstering the established order, or a cunning conspirator, plotting the kingdom's ruin. The coolest part is that the consequences of one game don't just stay there: they ripple through, altering available resources, actions, and even the victory condition for future plays! If a player plunges the kingdom into chaos, future generations will have to contend with a land overrun by thieves and petty warlords. And who knows, perhaps one of these warlords will attempt to found a dynasty that lasts for centuries or is crushed by a sinister arcane cult. Oath is a game that values emergent experience, without fancy production tricks or mandatory apps. It can be reset at any time, and you don't need to play with the same group every time. How about using the solo mode to advance a few generations during the week and then bringing that same story to the table with friends on Saturday? The history that unfolds in each copy of Oath is unique, as singular as the people who helped build it.
GALLERY
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In English
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Oath - Is it a Legacy Game?
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Oath Board Game Explained
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Oath, full rules (1/5) : Game elements & victory conditions
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Oath Chronicles of Empire and Exile Board Game - How To Play (Tarrant's BEST work? :D)
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Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile - Print & Play - (Quackalope Gameplay)
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How to Play Oath (Including Tutorial Game)
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Oath - How to Play
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Game in a Nutshell - Oath (how to play, incl. Chronicles) [UPDATED with errata]
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Oath, full rules (2/5) : Actions
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Oath, full rules (5/5) : the Chronicle
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How to Play Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile - Start Here!
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Oath, full rules (4/5) : Politics
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Leder Games, 2Tomatoes Games, CMON Global Limited, CrowD Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Fox in the Box, Korea Boardgames, Matagot, MeepleBR, MS Edizioni, Portal Games, Spielworxx
Designer
Cole Wehrle
Artist
Kyle Ferrin
Is Oath a campaign game? Are the games linked?
Yes, Oath is a campaign game in the most organic sense possible. The consequences of one game, such as who won and how, directly affect the setup and victory conditions of the next. There is no fixed script, but a story that builds and evolves with your decisions.
How many players can participate and what is the average duration?
Oath can be played by 1 to 6 players. Playtime varies significantly, from 45 to 150 minutes. For the first game, or with a new group, expect playtime closer to the upper limit, as there's a lot to explore and understand.
Is it a complex game? What is the difficulty level?
Absolutely, Oath is a complex game, considered an 'expert game'. It has a steep learning curve due to its interconnected rules and the emergent nature of the narrative. It's not ideal for beginners to heavier board games.
Do I always need to play with the same group of people?
No, that's one of Oath's great features! While the story develops, the game allows you to switch groups or even play solo, and then bring that same 'history' to the table with other friends. The narrative belongs to the game, not the group.
What are 'action points' and 'area influence' in the game?
Action points are like your 'energy' for the turn, allowing you to do various things, such as moving your units or activating effects. Area influence means you'll compete to have the majority of your pieces in certain regions of the map, which gives you control and important bonuses. It's all about strategic control!
Are the components nice? Is an app required to play?
Oath is known for its high-quality art and design, but the game's premise is to be 'gimmick-free'. There are no unnecessary fancy components or mandatory apps to play. The beauty lies in the depth of gameplay and the story you create.