Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun – Foundations of Karnak

Board&Dice · Board game · 2020
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 3.0/5
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're already a fan of Tekhenu and want a few more pieces to make the game even more interesting, this mini-expansion is a find! It adds cool options without making your head spin.

Highlights
  • More setup options
  • Facilitates pattern building
  • Unique special ability
  • Subtly expands base game
Keep in mind
  • It's a mini-expansion
  • Requires base game
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Hey folks! For those who already enjoy Tekhenu: Obelisk of the Sun and want to add a little extra spice to their games, Foundations of Karnak has arrived. This mini-expansion introduces three new "Pillar" tiles to the game. Originally part of a promotional pack, this expansion brings a fresh touch without overcomplicating things.

The new tiles include: P28, which costs some limestone, granite, and gold, but rewards you with a special ability linked to the goddess Bastet. When activated, you increase your populace's happiness as if you had used a die with a value of 3 – and the best part, this ability is already active when you build the tile, though using it is optional. Just remember that you still need to pay the cost of the action itself, okay?

Tiles P29 and P30 are more straightforward. They cost only limestone and don't offer special action abilities, but their main advantage is that their edges come with all four colors. This significantly helps with scoring, allowing easier combinations with other tiles and optimizing your victory points. They're great for players who enjoy planning patterns and maximizing their scores.

This expansion is perfect for those who have already mastered the base game and are looking for more setup options and strategies. It doesn't introduce complex rules but adds interesting new tactical decisions, especially for players who enjoy pattern building and point optimization. It's a subtle upgrade, but one that makes a difference in replayability and the depth of your games in Karnak.
Expansion for
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 OK
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Families

Ancient: Egypt Cities: Luxor (Egypt) Game: Tekhenu – Obelisk of the Sun
Publisher Board&Dice
Designer Daniele Tascini, Dávid Turczi
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this expansion significantly change Tekhenu's rules?
No, it's a mini-expansion that adds only 3 new Pillar tiles. The core rules of the base game remain the same, but you gain more setup options and some new strategies.
Do I have to play with all 3 new tiles?
No! You can choose which tiles to add to the base game setup. The expansion offers flexibility for you to adapt the game to your liking.
Are the new tiles hard to understand?
Super easy! Tile P28 has a clear ability, and tiles P29 and P30 help with scoring in a very visual way. It doesn't add significant complexity.
Who is this expansion for?
It's ideal for those who have played Tekhenu a lot and want a bit more variety, especially if you enjoy optimizing pattern building and scoring.
Can I mix it with other expansions?
Yes, as it's a mini-expansion with few tiles, it tends to mix well with the base game and other additions, as long as the setup rules allow.
What does "Builders Promo Pack" mean?
It means this expansion was originally released as a promotional item, often associated with crowdfunding campaigns like Kickstarter, for backers.