Ruination

Kolossal Games · Board game · 2021
— Ludopedia 7.4 BGG 2–4 · best 4 60–120 min Weight 3.1/5
Buy · from US$ 49.98
— rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love area control with miniatures and a dash of civilization building, Ruination serves up a tactical and visually striking game.

Highlights
  • Blend of cards, miniatures and dice
  • Unique asymmetric powers
  • Innovative action system
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Components may need translation
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Ruination thrusts players into a shattered Eurasia where the last aquifer is guarded by the immortal Khan. In each game 2‑4 hordes vie for territory, scavenge resources from the ruins, and recruit powerful exiles. The core of the game is an innovative action system: each round players decide whether to move their miniatures across distinct areas, roll icon dice to gather resources or trigger abilities, and draft cards openly for strategic edge. Area majority/influence decides who controls a region, while area movement streamlines movement across a Wasteland map dotted with hazardous zones. Icon dice replace numbers, making combat resolution and resource gathering more intuitive and thematic. Variable player powers mean each faction plays very differently, boosting replay value. At the end, the player who dominates the most of the map and secures access to the aquifer beside the Khan wins, while the rest are forgotten in the ash. The game blends cards, miniatures, and dice into an area‑control experience that mixes military tactics with civilization building. With a playtime of 60‑120 minutes and a moderate complexity (3.0/5 weight), Ruination is approachable for those who enjoy wargames without the steep learning curve of heavier titles, yet deep enough to satisfy veterans who love drafting, resource management, and asymmetric powers.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Components: Miniatures Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Kolossal Games
Designer Travis R. Chance
Artist Chris Byer, Roland MacDonald

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

893owners
474wishlist
83want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 4 players.
What is the typical play time?
Between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
How complex is the game?
Weight 3.0/5 – moderate; approachable for newcomers to wargames and still engaging for veterans.
What components are included?
Miniatures, cards, icon dice, modular board tiles, and resource tokens.
Do I need translated materials?
The cards and reference sheet are in English; a translation or reference guide is recommended for non‑English speakers.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of wargames, civilization‑style games, and those who enjoy open drafting and asymmetric powers.
Are there any expansions planned?
No official expansions yet, though the community has created several home‑brew variants.

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