The primary objective in Andean Abyss is to achieve your faction's unique victory conditions. There are four distinct factions: the Government, the Marxist FARC guerrillas, the right-wing AUC paramilitaries, and the narco-trafficking Cartels. Each faction has specific goals, such as controlling certain regions, accumulating resources, gaining popular support, or disrupting opponents. Understanding your faction's strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your adversaries, is key to formulating a winning strategy.
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official art · GMT Games
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
The game is set up on a map of Colombia with various factions and resources placed according to the scenario.
The rules, step by step
Setup
Andean Abyss is set up on a detailed map of Colombia, representing different regions and their characteristics. Players begin by placing their faction's pieces (troops, bases, etc.) on designated areas of the map, as outlined in the chosen scenario. Various markers for resources, support, and opposition are also placed on the board, along with event cards shuffled and prepared for drawing. The digital version on 'Rally the Troops' automates much of this initial setup, ensuring accuracy and ease of starting a game.
Objective
The primary objective in Andean Abyss is to achieve your faction's unique victory conditions. There are four distinct factions: the Government, the Marxist FARC guerrillas, the right-wing AUC paramilitaries, and the narco-trafficking Cartels. Each faction has specific goals, such as controlling certain regions, accumulating resources, gaining popular support, or disrupting opponents. Understanding your faction's strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your adversaries, is key to formulating a winning strategy.
On your turn
A turn in Andean Abyss revolves around playing event cards. Players draw and play these cards, which can trigger specific events or allow factions to perform operations. The sequence of play is determined by the card played, dictating which factions can act and in what order. This card-driven system introduces an element of unpredictability and forces players to adapt their strategies based on the events unfolding on the board. The digital platform 'Rally the Troops' streamlines the card play and turn order, making the game flow more smoothly.
Scoring
Scoring in Andean Abyss occurs during 'Propaganda Rounds,' which happen at regular intervals throughout the game. During these rounds, players check if they have met their faction's victory conditions. These conditions often involve a combination of factors, such as controlling a certain number of regions, having a specific level of resources, or achieving a certain degree of popular support or opposition. The digital implementation on 'Rally the Troops' automatically tracks scores and indicators, simplifying the process.
Game end
The game concludes after a predetermined number of propaganda rounds, or immediately if any faction achieves an automatic victory condition. If no faction has met their automatic victory condition by the final propaganda round, the game ends, and the faction that best meets its victory conditions at that point is declared the winner. The digital platform assists in tracking the game's progression and announcing the end conditions.
Tips
For new players, 'Andean Abyss' is a good entry point into the COIN series due to its manageable complexity and map size. The 'Rally the Troops' digital platform is highly recommended as it enforces rules automatically, preventing illegal moves and aiding in learning the game's mechanics. This feature is particularly beneficial for understanding the intricate rules of COIN games. Additionally, successful play often hinges on effective negotiation and diplomacy between players, especially for factions whose objectives might align or conflict at different stages of the game.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity3.8 / 5
BGG rating7.6 / 10
Vibe
Strategy
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
360 min
Players
1–4
Recommended age
12+ yrs
BGG rank
#1.423
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective in Andean Abyss is to achieve your faction's unique victory conditions. There are four distinct factions: the Government, the Marxist FARC guerrillas, the right-wing AUC paramilitaries, and the narco-trafficking Cartels. Each faction has specific goals, such as controlling certain regions, accumulating resources, gaining popular support, or disrupting opponents. Understanding your faction's strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your adversaries, is key to formulating a winning strategy.
Q2How do you set up the game?
Andean Abyss is set up on a detailed map of Colombia, representing different regions and their characteristics. Players begin by placing their faction's pieces (troops, bases, etc.) on designated areas of the map, as outlined in the chosen scenario. Various markers for resources, support, and opposition are also placed on the board, along with event cards shuffled and prepared for drawing. The digital version on 'Rally the Troops' automates much of this initial setup, ensuring accuracy and ease of starting a game.
Q3How does a turn work?
A turn in Andean Abyss revolves around playing event cards. Players draw and play these cards, which can trigger specific events or allow factions to perform operations. The sequence of play is determined by the card played, dictating which factions can act and in what order. This card-driven system introduces an element of unpredictability and forces players to adapt their strategies based on the events unfolding on the board. The digital platform 'Rally the Troops' streamlines the card play and turn order, making the game flow more smoothly.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Scoring in Andean Abyss occurs during 'Propaganda Rounds,' which happen at regular intervals throughout the game. During these rounds, players check if they have met their faction's victory conditions. These conditions often involve a combination of factors, such as controlling a certain number of regions, having a specific level of resources, or achieving a certain degree of popular support or opposition. The digital implementation on 'Rally the Troops' automatically tracks scores and indicators, simplifying the process.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes after a predetermined number of propaganda rounds, or immediately if any faction achieves an automatic victory condition. If no faction has met their automatic victory condition by the final propaganda round, the game ends, and the faction that best meets its victory conditions at that point is declared the winner. The digital platform assists in tracking the game's progression and announcing the end conditions.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
For new players, 'Andean Abyss' is a good entry point into the COIN series due to its manageable complexity and map size. The 'Rally the Troops' digital platform is highly recommended as it enforces rules automatically, preventing illegal moves and aiding in learning the game's mechanics. This feature is particularly beneficial for understanding the intricate rules of COIN games. Additionally, successful play often hinges on effective negotiation and diplomacy between players, especially for factions whose objectives might align or conflict at different stages of the game.
Q7How much does Andean Abyss cost?
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Q8Where can I buy Andean Abyss cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Andean Abyss?
Andean Abyss is a modern warfare game, for 1–4 players, taking ~360 minutes, featuring area majority / influence. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Andean Abyss — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.