Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Fans of auctions and bluffing will love Vault Wars. It's fast, funny, and full of 'gotcha!' moments.
Highlights
- Intense, unpredictable auctions
- Bluffing as core strategy
- Quick, dynamic gameplay
- Constant player interaction
Keep in mind
- Can be harsh on new players
- Some items are clearly better
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In Vault Wars, you're a shrewd merchant bidding on treasures left behind by heroes who didn't survive their adventures. The game mixes cutthroat auctions, bluffing, and collecting valuable items. Each round features auctions where you can bid on vaults full of loot — some contain rare gems, others are worthless junk. The trick is knowing when to bid high and when to let others overpay for trash. Between auctions, you can sell items for gold or save them for victory points (but watch out for storage fees!). Each player also has up-and-coming heroes who give bonuses for specific items, so keep an eye on their needs. With simple mechanics but tough decisions, Vault Wars is perfect for fans of fast, interactive games. Get ready to lie, bluff, and laugh your way to becoming the kingdom's top merchant!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Floodgate Games
Designer
Jonathan Gilmour-Long
Artist
Jacqui Davis, Kelly McClellan, Peter Wocken
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,310owners
191wishlist
35want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players are ideal?
3-5 players. With fewer, auctions lack competition; with more, the game would drag.
Is it hard to learn?
No, rules are simple, but strategies like bluffing and bid control take time to master.
How long does a game take?
About 45-60 minutes on average, depending on player count and how long people think about bids.
Is it luck-heavy?
There's luck in item distribution, but skill in valuing items and bluffing matters much more.
Is it good for players who dislike bluffing?
It's playable, but half the fun is tricking others, so it might not be the best fit.
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