7.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a cooperative puzzle where communication is the key, The Shipwreck Arcana will hook you! It's a quick and clever game that makes you think twice before playing anything.
Highlights
- Clever deduction challenge
- Cooperative with limited talk
- Fast and engaging
- Creative card rules
Keep in mind
- Limited communication is key
- Requires group synergy
- Can be frustrating at times
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a cooperative adventure that will test your logic and communication skills! In The Shipwreck Arcana, you and your friends are trapped in a submerged world, with your only hope of escape lying in deciphering a mystical deck and a bunch of numbers. Each of you holds a numbered 'fate' tile, and the mission is to get the others to guess yours without being able to speak during your turn! That's where the magic happens: you choose which fate to discard and which card to play it on, giving subtle clues to the group. Each card has specific rules about which numbers can be played on it, so you need to think carefully. As the game progresses, cards gain temporary powers that help escape this predicament, but be careful not to waste them! The rotating active player ensures no one dominates the game and everyone participates in the collective deduction. Even newcomers can ask for help during the deduction phase when it's not their turn. It's a fast-paced game, full of tension, and requires great synergy among players. Perfect for those who enjoy a group mental challenge and aren't afraid to get lost in the depths of logic!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Meromorph Games
Designer
Kevin Bishop
Artist
Matthew Bishop
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for The Shipwreck Arcana?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the group's experience.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 5 players. It works well with different numbers, but the dynamic changes slightly.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are simple, but mastering the strategy of limited communication and deduction takes a few plays. The complexity is moderate (BGG weight of 2.23).
Does it require many components?
No, it's a card and tile game. It's very portable and easy to set up.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games that challenge the mind, especially if they like deduction games with limited player communication.
Is there a lot of language dependency?
The text on the cards is minimal, and the main information is numerical, making it easy to memorize and understand even for non-native speakers.
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