The Lord of the Ice Garden

REDIMP GAMES, Giochix.it, Heidelberger Spieleverlag · Board game · 2014
1–4 · best 4 Solo 90 min Weight 4.1/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy games with strong themes, asymmetric powers, and a good dose of tense strategy, "The Lord of the Ice Garden" might be your new addiction!

Highlights
  • Immersive and unique theme
  • Exciting asymmetric powers
  • High strategic tension
  • Combat and influence
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be complex
  • Steep learning curve
  • Interaction can be brutal
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

Prepare for a journey to Midgaard, a medieval fantasy world inspired by the books of Jarosław Grzędowicz! In "The Lord of the Ice Garden," you and up to three friends take on the roles of Earth scientists who, upon arriving on this magical planet, succumbed to the temptation of becoming gods. Now, you fight for control of "The Coast of Sails," using magic and influence to shape the world in your image, even if it means sacrificing everything and everyone (except yourselves, of course!).

The game is a tense battlefield where every decision counts. Will you use action points to expand your influence, move your troops, collect valuable resources like M-factor and gold, or even cast powerful spells? Each player has secret objectives and unique abilities, such as seducing inhabitants, spreading nightmares, collecting magical energy, or founding a new religion. But beware! With each use of magic, the "Dead Snow" advances, lowering your reputation and bringing an uncertain game end closer. To make matters worse, Vuko Drakkainen, an agent sent from Earth, is hunting you, punishing the most immoral and trying to dismantle your godhood. With worker placement, area control, and variable phase order mechanics, "The Lord of the Ice Garden" offers a deep and immersive strategic experience, where adrenaline and tension are constant. Can you achieve your divine plans before Vuko or the world of Midgaard itself stops you?

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 OK
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Crowdfunding: Wspieram Mythology: Norse Theme: Medieval Fantasy Theme: Villainy
Publisher REDIMP GAMES, Giochix.it, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Krzysztof Wolicki
Artist Dominik Kasprzycki

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
The game is for 1 to 4 players, so you can play it solo or with a group.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend around 90 minutes unraveling the mysteries of Midgaard.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
It's considered medium-heavy complexity (4.06/5 on BGG), so prepare for a learning curve. But the reward is a very deep experience!
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective varies! Each player has unique victory conditions, and you can also win by accumulated victory points or reputation, depending on how the game ends.
What are the variable player powers?
Each scientist-god has unique abilities and secret objectives that completely change your strategy and how you interact with the world.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Yes! The fight for region control and the powers of some gods can lead to significant conflict and direct interaction.

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