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Cyclades
Matagot · 2009
2–560–90 min13+ yrs2.8/5 complexity7.5 BGG#272 BGG25,1 K
⚡ short answer
How do you play Cyclades?
The overarching objective of Cyclades is to win the favor of the gods in a competitive area control game. While the video doesn't explicitly detail all victory conditions, it emphasizes that understanding and strategically using the mythological creature cards is vital for achieving victory.
To find the best price for Cyclades, howtoplay.ro compares deals from Romanian shops every day.
FromRON 350
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01
Setup
The game board is set up with 17 mythological creature cards, 5 of which have associated figurines, and players place their armies and ships on the board.
The rules, step by step
Setup
The game begins with a setup that includes 17 mythological creature cards, 5 of which are accompanied by figurines. These cards are initially piled on a designated area of the game board. Players also place their armies and ships on various islands and sea spaces, along with buildings like fortresses, universities, and ports. Each player has a player board to track their resources and progress.
Objective
The overarching objective of Cyclades is to win the favor of the gods in a competitive area control game. While the video doesn't explicitly detail all victory conditions, it emphasizes that understanding and strategically using the mythological creature cards is vital for achieving victory.
On your turn
During a player's turn, they have the opportunity to buy mythological creature cards from a display. The player who controls the god at the top of the god board gets the first choice to purchase a card. If a card is bought, it must be used immediately. If a card is not bought, it moves to the discard pile, and the next player in line gets a chance to buy from the remaining cards.
Scoring
The video does not provide specific details on how scoring works in Cyclades. However, it highlights that creature cards offer various advantages, such as converting buildings, killing opponent's soldiers, changing ownership of ships, or gaining extra income. These actions contribute to a player's strategic position and ability to achieve victory conditions, which often involve controlling metropolises or other strategic assets.
Game end
The video does not explicitly state the end-game conditions. Typically, in Cyclades, the game ends when a player achieves a certain number of metropolises or fulfills other specific victory criteria. The strategic use of mythological creature cards, especially those that allow for building metropolises or hindering opponents, is crucial for reaching these end-game objectives.
Tips
To succeed in Cyclades, it's important to familiarize yourself with the mythological creature cards. Each card has a small illustration at the bottom that serves as a reminder of its effect. For instance, Cyclops allows you to change one of your buildings into a different type, while Giant lets you destroy an opponent's small building. Harpy can kill a soldier, and Siren can change an opponent's ship to yours. Sphinx allows you to sell items for coins, and The Fates grant you an additional round of income. Sylph and Pegasus enable movement of ships and armies without needing specific god favors, offering strategic mobility. Satyr and Dryad allow stealing philosopher and priest cards, respectively. Griffon lets you steal half of an opponent's coins, and Chimera allows you to retrieve a discarded card. Minotaur provides a defense bonus, Chiron protects your island from specific attacks, Medusa freezes an opponent's army, and Polyphemus pushes ships away. Kraken destroys ships in its path. Knowing these effects and when to use them is key to gaining an advantage.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity2.8 / 5
BGG rating7.5 / 10
Language dependence
No in-game text needed
Play time
60–90 min
Players
2–5
Recommended age
13+ yrs
BGG rank
#272
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The overarching objective of Cyclades is to win the favor of the gods in a competitive area control game. While the video doesn't explicitly detail all victory conditions, it emphasizes that understanding and strategically using the mythological creature cards is vital for achieving victory.
Q2How do you set up the game?
The game begins with a setup that includes 17 mythological creature cards, 5 of which are accompanied by figurines. These cards are initially piled on a designated area of the game board. Players also place their armies and ships on various islands and sea spaces, along with buildings like fortresses, universities, and ports. Each player has a player board to track their resources and progress.
Q3How does a turn work?
During a player's turn, they have the opportunity to buy mythological creature cards from a display. The player who controls the god at the top of the god board gets the first choice to purchase a card. If a card is bought, it must be used immediately. If a card is not bought, it moves to the discard pile, and the next player in line gets a chance to buy from the remaining cards.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
The video does not provide specific details on how scoring works in Cyclades. However, it highlights that creature cards offer various advantages, such as converting buildings, killing opponent's soldiers, changing ownership of ships, or gaining extra income. These actions contribute to a player's strategic position and ability to achieve victory conditions, which often involve controlling metropolises or other strategic assets.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The video does not explicitly state the end-game conditions. Typically, in Cyclades, the game ends when a player achieves a certain number of metropolises or fulfills other specific victory criteria. The strategic use of mythological creature cards, especially those that allow for building metropolises or hindering opponents, is crucial for reaching these end-game objectives.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
To succeed in Cyclades, it's important to familiarize yourself with the mythological creature cards. Each card has a small illustration at the bottom that serves as a reminder of its effect. For instance, Cyclops allows you to change one of your buildings into a different type, while Giant lets you destroy an opponent's small building. Harpy can kill a soldier, and Siren can change an opponent's ship to yours. Sphinx allows you to sell items for coins, and The Fates grant you an additional round of income. Sylph and Pegasus enable movement of ships and armies without needing specific god favors, offering strategic mobility. Satyr and Dryad allow stealing philosopher and priest cards, respectively. Griffon lets you steal half of an opponent's coins, and Chimera allows you to retrieve a discarded card. Minotaur provides a defense bonus, Chiron protects your island from specific attacks, Medusa freezes an opponent's army, and Polyphemus pushes ships away. Kraken destroys ships in its path. Knowing these effects and when to use them is key to gaining an advantage.
Q7How much does Cyclades cost?
Cyclades costs around 350 RON in Romania.
Q8Where can I buy Cyclades cheapest?
The lowest price for Cyclades right now is 350 RON at Hobby Planet. The Prices tab lists every store currently tracking it.
Q9How do you play Cyclades?
Cyclades is a ancient game, for 2–5 players, taking ~60–90 minutes, featuring area majority / influence. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Cyclades — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Cyclades support?
Cyclades is played by 2–5 players.
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