Kemet is a game that has stood the test of time in the tabletop gaming community, bringing a thrilling mix of area control, strategic combat, and mythical Egyptian lore to the table. If you’ve ever wanted to command an army blessed by the gods, riding into battle atop giant scorpions or wielding divine powers, then Kemet is absolutely worth your attention.
Quick Facts About Kemet
- Publisher: Matagot
- Designer: Jacques Bariot & Guillaume Montiage
- Players: 2-5
- Playtime: 90-120 minutes
- Genre: Area control, strategic combat, mythological fantasy
- Recommended Age: 14+
What is Kemet All About?
Kemet is a highly aggressive, fast-paced area control game set in a mythological ancient Egypt where players take on the role of different factions vying for dominance. Unlike many other games in the genre, it actively encourages conflict rather than turtling and waiting for opponents to make mistakes. You’ll be expanding your territory, worshipping gods, acquiring powerful upgrades, and, of course, engaging in brutal, fast-paced combat.
The game features a unique power tile system, which allows you to upgrade your faction in various ways, from gaining mythical creatures to enhancing combat abilities. This results in an incredibly dynamic gameplay experience, where no two games ever feel the same.
How to Play Kemet
The game is played over several rounds, with players taking turns to perform actions using their action points. The goal? Earn victory points through winning battles, controlling temples, and utilising divine interventions. Here’s a breakdown of how it plays:
- Prayer Points: These act as the game’s currency, allowing you to purchase upgrades, summon creatures, and teleport troops.
- Action Selection: Players place their action markers on their personal board to perform actions such as recruiting troops, moving units, and buying power tiles.
- Power Tiles: Arguably one of the most exciting aspects of the game, these tiles give players powerful upgrades, allowing them to shape their strategy.
- Combat: Battles are resolved using a unique system that combines army strength, combat cards, and strategic bluffing. There’s no luck involved—every fight is determined by player decisions.
- Victory Points: Gained through battles, temple control, and other objectives, these are the key to winning the game.
The game ends once a player reaches the required number of victory points, crowning them the ruler of Kemet.
Components That Bring Kemet to Life
Kemet is known for its gorgeous and high-quality components. Here’s what you get in the box:
- A beautifully illustrated game board representing mythological Egypt
- Plastic miniatures for each player’s army
- Mythical creatures such as giant scorpions, sphinxes, and crocodiles
- Over 60 power tiles in three colours (red for combat, blue for defence, white for economy and flexibility)
- Combat cards instead of dice, ensuring skill-based battles
- Temple and city tokens for area control
The production quality is fantastic, making the game both visually striking and immersive.
How Does Kemet Play at Different Player Counts?
- 2 Players: Surprisingly tactical, but loses some of the chaos that makes Kemet shine. It turns into a strategic dance, with careful positioning and mind games.
- 3 Players: A great balance, allowing for interesting alliances and conflicts.
- 4-5 Players: Where Kemet truly comes alive. Battles happen frequently, the board feels contested, and power struggles create tense, exciting moments.
Expansions and Variants
If you love Kemet, there are expansions that shake things up even further:
- Kemet: Ta-Seti – Introduces a new black power tile set, priests, and an innovative night phase that changes how you plan your moves.
- Kemet: Seth – Adds a new playable faction (Seth), asymmetric gameplay, and new mechanics for a fresh experience.
- Kemet: Blood and Sand – A complete reworking of the original game, with refined mechanics, improved components, and streamlined rules for better flow.
Is Kemet Worth It?
Absolutely. If you enjoy games with deep strategy, high player interaction, and a combat system that rewards skill rather than luck, Kemet is an excellent choice. It combines the best aspects of area control and engine-building into a game that never overstays its welcome. Whether you’re a fan of mythological themes or just love a game where every move matters, Kemet is a must-play.