If you’ve ever fancied yourself a cunning Greek warlord, navigating a world of gods, monsters, and intense strategic battles, then Cyclades is a game you’ll want on your shelf. This board game brings the drama of ancient Greek mythology to life, blending tactical bidding, combat, and city-building into a thrilling experience. Whether you’re an experienced board gamer or new to the genre, Cyclades offers a rich and rewarding challenge.
Overview: What is Cyclades?
Cyclades is a mythologically inspired strategy board game where players compete to build and control powerful cities across the Aegean Sea. The game balances military conquest with careful planning and divine favour, requiring players to bid for the support of Greek gods to gain advantages each turn.
Key Information:
- Designer: Bruno Cathala & Ludovic Maublanc
- Publisher: Matagot
- Players: 2-5
- Playtime: 60-90 minutes
- Type: Strategy, Auction, Area Control
How to Play Cyclades
Each round in Cyclades revolves around players bidding for the favour of the gods, who each provide unique benefits. The game progresses as players expand their territories, recruit troops, and construct the necessary buildings to win. Here’s a breakdown of how it plays:
- Bidding for the Gods – Players must strategically bid for the favour of one of five deities: Ares (war), Athena (philosophy), Poseidon (naval movement), Zeus (priest recruitment), or Apollo (gold production). Winning a god’s favour gives access to their specific abilities for the round.
- Executing Actions – After the gods are assigned, players take actions such as moving fleets, recruiting soldiers, or constructing buildings.
- Building a Metropolis – The goal is to be the first to build (or capture) two metropolises, achieved by gathering all four building types or conquering an opponent’s city.
- Using Mythological Creatures – Players can also pay to summon legendary beasts like the Minotaur or Medusa, which can dramatically change the tide of battle.
- Combat and Strategy – Unlike traditional war games, combat is streamlined, ensuring the game remains focused on strategic depth rather than dice luck.
Game Components: What’s in the Box?
The quality of Cyclades’ components is impressive. It features:
- Modular Game Board – Made up of multiple islands, ensuring variety in every game.
- Beautifully Sculpted Miniatures – Representing soldiers, fleets, and mythological creatures.
- God Tiles & Cards – Used for bidding and actions.
- Gold Coins – The currency used to bid for the gods.
- Buildings & Metropolis Pieces – For city construction.
- Rulebook – Straightforward and easy to follow.
Playing at Different Player Counts
Cyclades scales well across different player counts, though the experience varies slightly:
- 2 Players: Becomes a tight duel with a more direct back-and-forth dynamic. Some house rules or expansions are recommended to enhance balance.
- 3 Players: A great balance of diplomacy, alliances, and betrayal.
- 4-5 Players: The game shines at these counts, with more competition for godly favour and an ever-changing battlefield.
Expansions and Variants
If you love the base game, several expansions add new layers of depth:
- Hades – Introduces the god Hades, along with undead armies and necropolises.
- Titans – Adds team-based play and the ability to wage land wars without bidding.
- Monuments – Adds powerful buildings that provide permanent bonuses.
These expansions enhance replayability and introduce fresh strategies, making Cyclades even more dynamic.
Cyclades Digital Versions
If you want to play Cyclades without setting up the physical board, it’s available on Board Game Arena (BGA). This online platform allows you to play against others worldwide, making it a fantastic way to enjoy the game without the hassle of physical setup. The digital version maintains the strategic depth while streamlining play.
Final Thoughts
Cyclades is a masterclass in balancing strategy, conflict, and economic management. It rewards careful planning, adaptability, and a touch of risk-taking. Whether you enjoy cutthroat bidding wars, outsmarting opponents in battle, or simply immersing yourself in a beautifully designed mythological world, this game has something for you.
If you haven’t played Cyclades yet, give it a try—just don’t anger the gods, or you might find yourself on the wrong end of a Kraken attack!