Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Skull & Shackles – Base Set

Paizo Publishing, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby World · Board game · 2014
1–4 · best 3 Solo 90 min Weight 2.9/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
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8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

An epic seafaring journey for those who love watching characters grow through a long campaign.

Highlights
  • Rewarding character progression
  • Deep deck customization
  • Engaging cooperative narrative
  • Rich and immersive world
Keep in mind
  • Requires translation to play
  • Moderate learning curve
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About the game
Ready your ship and sharpen your blade, because adventure in the Shackles is calling! In Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Skull & Shackles, you and your crew aren't just sailors; you're pirates fighting to survive an archipelago ruled by ruthless warlords. This is a cooperative strategy game where your goal is to battle legendary sea monsters, deadly magic, and rival navies to claim your plunder. The real magic lies in the campaign system: every game isn't just a standalone session, but a chapter in a much larger saga. As you conquer scenarios and explore lethal locations, your characters truly evolve. You'll build a highly customizable deck filled with equipment, allies, and spells, making your hero progressively stronger to face threats that once seemed insurmountable. Featuring nearly 500 cards and various character classes—including new additions like the Gunslinger and Swashbuckler—customization is the soul of the experience. It's a journey of constant growth, where the fear of walking the plank is real, but the glory of controlling the Shackles is what drives your crew. If you love the progression feel of an RPG but want the snappy pace of a card game, this base set is your perfect starting point for dominating the high seas.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Components: Polyhedral (not D6) dice Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (Paizo Publishing) Setting: Pathfinder Theme: Pirates
Publisher Paizo Publishing, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby World, Ulisses Spiele
Designer Chad Brown, Gaby Weidling, Mike Selinker, Paul Peterson, Tanis O'Connor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game difficult?
Like any campaign, it scales! It starts accessible, but monsters and villains become much more dangerous as your heroes grow.
Can I play solo?
Yes! The game includes solitaire rules, allowing you to experience the pirate adventure on your own.
Do I need other games to play this?
This is the 'Base Set', meaning it contains everything you need to start your journey.
How long does a session last?
On average, each scenario takes about 90 minutes, though this varies depending on the mission's complexity.
Is the game in English?
Yes, the components are in English. Since the cards are central to gameplay, you'll need a translation or a group comfortable with English.
How many players is it best for?
It works for 1 to 4 players, and is especially fun with 3 or 4 players to leverage the different character classes.