8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
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
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
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.
Expansions
Published additional content
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Bard
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Cleric
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Fighter
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Ranger
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Rogue
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Sorcerer
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Class Deck – Wizard
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
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Pathfinder ACG: Skulls and Shackles - Interview and Overview
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Off The Shelf Board Game Reviews - Part 1 (How To Play)
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Skull and Shackles Full Demo at Origins 2014
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Skull and Shackles - Rum and Punch Festival Playthrough (2nd base game scenario)
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PATHFINDER Skulls and Shackles Gameplay and Tutorial by Losing Friends
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Skull and Shackles: Island Hopping Part 1
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Skull and Shackles: Basic Adventure Path Sunken Treasure
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The Black Flag (Basic Adventure Path Scenario 5)
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Skull and Shackles: Island Hopping Part 2
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Paizo Publishing, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby World, Ulisses Spiele
Designer
Chad Brown, Gaby Weidling, Mike Selinker, Paul Peterson, Tanis O'Connor
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
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.
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