The North Sea Runesaga

Garphill Games, Pixie Games, Renegade Game Studios · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 4 180–240 min Weight 1.8/5
8.9 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
8.9 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're already a fan of the North Sea Trilogy, this expansion is a gem! It supercharges the base games with more objectives and rewards that make you think long-term.

Highlights
  • More depth and strategy
  • Great replayability
  • Maintains series vibe
  • Adds new challenges
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Increases playtime
  • Can be complex
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey there, board game enthusiasts! Ready to dive headfirst into the North Sea saga? The North Sea Runesaga is an expansion that throws you right into an epic competition to see who will become the great Chieftain by collecting the most Runestones. There are three chapters, each with its own unique challenges and objectives. By completing these objectives, you might be the first to snag special runes that give you a boost in subsequent chapters. And that's not all: these runes can have inscriptions (shield, horn, or hammer), and collecting three of the same type earns you an extra rune! Oh, and to add that extra thrill, the winner of each chapter gets 2 runes, and the runner-up gets 1 rune – though these latter ones don't offer in-game bonuses, they just count towards the final score. In the end, whoever has the most runes is the champion! It's an expansion that adds strategic layers and a sense of urgency, maintaining the vibe of the North Sea trilogy. If you enjoy games with engine building, set collection, and a dash of objective racing, this expansion will leave you wanting more.

For those who love the North Sea Trilogy, this expansion is a real treat! It adds more depth and replayability to the base games, with new objectives and rewards that influence future matches. The deck/bag building mechanic is well-explored here, allowing you to refine your strategies with each chapter. The game is relatively straightforward in its rules, but the interaction between the runes and objectives creates a very interesting strategic puzzle. It's a great choice for those who want to extend the experience of the previous games and delve even deeper into this Viking universe.

It's important to note that this is an expansion, so you need the base game to play. It doesn't radically change the experience but enriches it with new elements and challenges. The playtime can be a bit long, depending on the group, but the sense of progression and the race for runes keep engagement high. If you love the series and want more content, Runesaga is a fantastic addition worth checking out.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Region: North Sea Series: Medieval Trilogies (Garphill Games) Series: The North Sea Trilogy (Garphill Games) Theme: Vikings
Publisher Garphill Games, Pixie Games, Renegade Game Studios, Schwerkraft-Verlag
Designer Shem Phillips
Artist Mihajlo Dimitrievski, Shem Phillips

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need a base game to play The North Sea Runesaga?
Yes! Runesaga is an expansion and requires one of the North Sea Trilogy games (Shipwrights of the North Sea, Raiders of the North Sea, or Explorers of the North Sea) to be played.
How long does a game with the expansion take?
The playtime can vary significantly depending on the base game used and the players' familiarity with the rules. Expect something between 180 and 240 minutes, especially if it's your first time playing with the expansion.
Does the game become much more complicated with this expansion?
It adds more strategic layers and objectives, which might increase the perceived complexity. However, the core rules of the expansion are relatively simple to learn, but the game itself requires good planning.
How many players can participate?
The expansion is designed for 2 to 4 players, just like the base games in the series.
What is the main distinguishing feature of this expansion?
The main feature is the introduction of Runestones that offer bonuses for future chapters, creating a sense of progression and interconnected strategy between the parts of the game.
Is it worth it for someone who hasn't played the other games in the trilogy?
No. This is an expansion, so it's recommended for those who already know and enjoy the North Sea Trilogy games and want more content and depth.