# SCRAP ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2023 - **BGG Rating**: 8.2 - **BGG Rank**: #13718 - **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 45-150 min - **Weight**: 3.29 / 5 - **Designers**: Kenny Michael-Otton - **Artists**: Nilanjan Malakar - **Publishers**: (Self-Published) - **Categories**: Science Fiction - **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, Open Drafting, Set Collection, Tech Trees / Tech Tracks ## Verdict If you're into an area control game with a sci-fi vibe and clever mechanics, SCRAP will hook you! The action queue and luck-free combat are standout features.Tactical combat without luckCreative action queueUnique asymmetric factionsDual-purpose hand buildingRequires forward planningSteep learning curveHigh language dependencyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description In SCRAP, you step into the role of an 'Intelligence,' a collective of Bots that have achieved self-awareness following a cosmic event known as 'The Singularity,' which unleashed the mysterious 'Celestium' across the galaxy. Your mission is to lead your robots to the planet Seratus to uncover the secrets behind this transformative event. SCRAP is an area control game where numerous bots traverse the map, and strategy is paramount. The core mechanic involves Action Queue Programming: you plan your upcoming moves in advance by adding 'Functions' to a queue that will be executed in order. Simultaneously, you build your hand of Functions, acquiring new cards that not only offer unique action options but also serve as fuel for bonus effects when discarded by matching color. Managing your hand is crucial, as overusing cards necessitates a 'Reboot,' a recovery turn that can cost precious time. Combat is a spectacle in itself, featuring a Hidden Bidding system where you dictate your bots' orders without relying on luck. You can probe opponents, strike preemptively, brace for impact, or go all out in a brawl, gaining valuable data with each victory. Furthermore, the game offers Asymmetric Factions, with six unique 'Intelligences,' each boasting its own hand of functions (five core and one unique ability) and distinct upgrade paths. Choose between the brute force of Vulkanos, the investigative cunning of Cerebrum, or the temporal manipulation of Tachyon to crush your rivals. SCRAP draws inspiration from classics like Cthulhu Wars, Scythe, and Spirit Island, promising a deep and strategic experience for those who enjoy thinking ahead. ## FAQ ### What is the average playtime for SCRAP? SCRAP games can vary significantly, typically ranging from 45 to 150 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules. ### Is SCRAP a good game for beginners? With a BGG weight of 3.2857, SCRAP is considered an intermediate to heavy complexity game. It's best suited for players who already have some experience with more strategic board games. ### How many players can enjoy SCRAP? SCRAP is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering different experiences at each player count. ### Does combat in SCRAP rely on luck? No! SCRAP's combat uses a hidden bidding system where players choose their bots' actions, making battles purely tactical without the luck element of dice or cards. ### Are the factions in SCRAP very different from each other? Yes, the six factions (Intelligences) are asymmetric, each with its own unique hand of functions and abilities, ensuring plenty of variety and replayability. ### Do I need to know English to play SCRAP? Yes, the game has a high language dependency, with many cards and rules in text. A full translation or a good understanding of English is essential to play.