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Elixir
asmodee · 1997
3–860 min10+ yrs1.5/5 complexity5.6 BGG#21.877 BGG2,8 KPartyFamily
⚡ short answer
How do you play Elixir?
The primary objective of Elixir is to be the first player to successfully cast all of the spell cards they initially chose during the setup phase. Players achieve this by collecting and discarding the necessary ingredient cards to activate each spell's effect.
To find the best price for Elixir, howtoplay.ro compares deals from Romanian shops every day.
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the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
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01
Setup
Players choose spells totaling 9 points and receive 5 ingredient cards; remaining cards form a draw pile and discard pile.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up the game, players first choose a combination of spell cards from the available stacks, ensuring that the total point value of their chosen spells equals 9. Each spell card indicates the number and type of ingredient cards needed to cast it. After selecting spells, each player receives 5 'trouvaille' (ingredient) cards, which are kept in hand. The remaining 'trouvaille' cards are placed face down to form a draw pile, and a discard pile is established next to it.
Objective
The primary objective of Elixir is to be the first player to successfully cast all of the spell cards they initially chose during the setup phase. Players achieve this by collecting and discarding the necessary ingredient cards to activate each spell's effect.
On your turn
Each turn begins with a player drawing one 'trouvaille' card from the draw pile. Following this, the player can choose to cast a spell from their hand. To cast a spell, the player must discard the specific ingredient cards indicated on the spell card. Once the ingredients are discarded, the spell's effect is read aloud, and the player chooses an opponent to target with the spell. The cast spell card is then placed face up in front of the player, indicating it has been used.
Scoring
Elixir is not a game that involves traditional scoring or accumulating points. The game's progression and outcome are solely determined by the successful casting of spells. The focus is on strategic card management and interaction with other players rather than point accumulation.
Game end
The game concludes immediately when a player successfully casts their final spell, having met the ingredient requirements for all their chosen spells. That player is declared the winner. The game does not continue for other players to complete their spells once one player has achieved this objective.
Tips
Players should strategically manage their ingredient cards and be aware of their opponents' spell requirements. 'Market Day' cards allow players to discard two unwanted 'trouvaille' cards and draw one new one, potentially improving their hand. 'Brocante' cards initiate a partial redistribution of 'trouvaille' cards among participating players, offering a chance to gain needed ingredients. Special cards, such as 'Magic Gloves' (which allow retrieval of discarded cards) or 'Absent Subscriber' (which can negate a spell's effect), can be played at any time, regardless of whose turn it is, providing tactical advantages.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity1.5 / 5
BGG rating5.6 / 10
Vibe
PartyFamily
Language dependence
Extensive text — heavy translation needed
Play time
60 min
Players
3–8
Recommended age
10+ yrs
BGG rank
#21.877
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective of Elixir is to be the first player to successfully cast all of the spell cards they initially chose during the setup phase. Players achieve this by collecting and discarding the necessary ingredient cards to activate each spell's effect.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up the game, players first choose a combination of spell cards from the available stacks, ensuring that the total point value of their chosen spells equals 9. Each spell card indicates the number and type of ingredient cards needed to cast it. After selecting spells, each player receives 5 'trouvaille' (ingredient) cards, which are kept in hand. The remaining 'trouvaille' cards are placed face down to form a draw pile, and a discard pile is established next to it.
Q3How does a turn work?
Each turn begins with a player drawing one 'trouvaille' card from the draw pile. Following this, the player can choose to cast a spell from their hand. To cast a spell, the player must discard the specific ingredient cards indicated on the spell card. Once the ingredients are discarded, the spell's effect is read aloud, and the player chooses an opponent to target with the spell. The cast spell card is then placed face up in front of the player, indicating it has been used.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Elixir is not a game that involves traditional scoring or accumulating points. The game's progression and outcome are solely determined by the successful casting of spells. The focus is on strategic card management and interaction with other players rather than point accumulation.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game concludes immediately when a player successfully casts their final spell, having met the ingredient requirements for all their chosen spells. That player is declared the winner. The game does not continue for other players to complete their spells once one player has achieved this objective.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Players should strategically manage their ingredient cards and be aware of their opponents' spell requirements. 'Market Day' cards allow players to discard two unwanted 'trouvaille' cards and draw one new one, potentially improving their hand. 'Brocante' cards initiate a partial redistribution of 'trouvaille' cards among participating players, offering a chance to gain needed ingredients. Special cards, such as 'Magic Gloves' (which allow retrieval of discarded cards) or 'Absent Subscriber' (which can negate a spell's effect), can be played at any time, regardless of whose turn it is, providing tactical advantages.
Q7How much does Elixir cost?
No store is currently tracking Elixir. Check the Prices tab — you can set a price alert to be notified when it appears.
Q8Where can I buy Elixir cheapest?
Check the Prices tab — howtoplay.ro aggregates offers from 7+ Romanian board-game stores and tracks price history.
Q9How do you play Elixir?
Elixir is a action / dexterity game, for 3–8 players, taking ~60 minutes, featuring auction / bidding. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about Elixir — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does Elixir support?
Elixir is played by 3–8 players.
Mechanics & categories