Akrotiri is a two-player strategic exploration and resource management game set in ancient Greece. In this game, players are intrepid explorers searching the Aegean Sea for legendary temples. As they sail between islands, they collect resources and use them to fund their expeditions while deciphering maps that lead to the hidden temples. Balancing resource management, exploration, and map deciphering is key to winning the game.
Game Concept: Akrotiri
Components
Game Board:
- Represents the Aegean Sea with a central island, Thera. The board is made up of hexagonal tiles that form a modular layout as players explore.
Island Tiles:
- Hexagonal tiles representing different islands. Each tile shows specific terrain types and resource symbols.
Map Cards:
- Each map card shows a specific configuration of island tiles and a temple location. Players use these cards to find and excavate temples.
Temple Tokens:
- Represent the temples players will excavate. Each player has their own set of temple tokens.
Resource Cubes:
- Resources such as olives, grapes, and fish that players collect to fund their expeditions and earn money.
Action Cards:
- Special cards that provide various benefits or allow unique actions during the game.
Secret Goal Cards:
- Each player has secret goals that can give additional points at the end of the game if completed.
Player Boards:
- Boards for tracking each player's temples, resource capacity, and action points.
Ship Pieces:
- Represent each player's ship, which they use to sail between islands.
Coins:
- Currency used to perform certain actions and to pay for excavating temples.
Setup
Board Setup:
- Place the Thera island tile in the center of the play area. Each player places their ship on Thera.
- Shuffle the remaining island tiles and place them face-down in a stack.
Map and Goal Cards:
- Shuffle the map cards and deal 2 to each player. Players keep these cards hidden from their opponent.
- Shuffle the secret goal cards and deal 2 to each player. Players keep these cards secret until the end of the game.
Resources and Coins:
- Place the resource cubes and coins in a supply next to the board.
Starting Player:
- Choose a starting player. The second player receives one coin to compensate for not going first.
Gameplay Overview
Akrotiri is played over a series of turns, where players take actions to explore, collect resources, and find temples. The game ends when a player excavates their sixth temple, and the player with the most points wins.
Turn Structure:
- On their turn, a player has three action points (AP) to spend on various actions:
- Sail (1 AP): Move your ship from one tile to an adjacent tile.
- Harvest (1 AP): Collect resources from the island where your ship is located.
- Trade (1 AP): Sell resources at Thera for coins or buy resources.
- Explore (1 AP): Place a new island tile adjacent to where your ship is located.
- Excavate (2 AP): Pay resources and coins to excavate a temple at your current location if it matches the configuration on one of your map cards.
Exploring the Board:
- Players can expand the board by placing island tiles adjacent to existing ones, following specific placement rules.
- When placing a tile, the player must ensure it fits correctly and aligns with the adjacent tiles.
Using Map Cards:
- Each map card depicts an arrangement of terrain and water features that indicate where a temple can be excavated.
- To excavate, the player must sail their ship to the matching location and spend the required resources.
Collecting and Trading Resources:
- Players collect resources by harvesting them from islands. These resources can be traded at Thera for coins or used to pay for excavating temples.
Excavating Temples:
- To excavate a temple, the player must match the terrain configuration on their map card with the board's layout.
- The player pays the excavation cost in coins and places one of their temple tokens on the board.
End of the Game:
- The game ends when a player excavates their sixth temple or when the island tile stack is depleted. Players then reveal their secret goal cards and tally points.
Scoring
Temple Points:
- Each temple excavated grants points depending on the map card's difficulty.
Secret Goals:
- Players reveal their secret goal cards, which may provide bonus points based on specific conditions (e.g., temples placed in certain configurations or positions).
Final Scores:
- The player with the highest total points wins. If there is a tie, the player with the most coins left wins.
Rules
Tile Placement:
- Tiles must be placed so that their edges match the adjacent tiles' terrain (e.g., land to land, water to water).
Map Cards:
- Players can only excavate temples at locations that match their map cards.
- A player can have a maximum of 4 map cards in hand.
Actions:
- Each action has a cost in action points. Players must manage their actions effectively to maximize their turn.
Resource Capacity:
- Ships have a limited capacity for carrying resources, so players must plan their collection and trade carefully.
Excavating:
- To excavate, the location must match the map card's requirements, and the player must pay the cost in resources and coins.
FAQ
Can I have more than one temple on the same island?
- Yes, but temples must be placed according to your map cards' configurations. Multiple temples can be on the same island if the conditions are met.
Do I have to excavate on the exact terrain shown on the map card?
- Yes, the terrain and water features on the board must match the map card exactly to excavate a temple.
Can I place an island tile anywhere on the board?
- No, you must place it adjacent to an existing island tile and follow the terrain matching rules.
What happens if the tile stack runs out?
- The game ends immediately when the island tile stack is depleted. Players then tally their scores.
Can I trade resources at any time?
- No, you can only trade resources at Thera using the "Trade" action.
How many resources can my ship carry?
- Your ship can carry up to 4 resources at a time. Plan your harvesting and trading accordingly.
Can I excavate multiple temples on my turn?
- Yes, as long as you have the necessary action points, resources, and map cards to do so.
Do secret goal cards have to be revealed during the game?
- No, secret goal cards are revealed only at the end of the game to calculate bonus points.
Can I replace a map card with a new one?
- Yes, if you have fewer than 4 map cards, you can draw new map cards during your turn. However, you cannot discard map cards.
What if my opponent blocks my planned excavation spot?
- You must adapt your strategy. Use exploration to create new opportunities or find alternative ways to fulfill your map cards.
Akrotiri is a game of exploration, resource management, and strategic planning. Balancing the need to gather resources, explore the seas, and decipher the map cards is crucial. With multiple ways to score points and variable strategies based on secret goals, Akrotiri offers a unique and immersive experience with every playthrough.