2017 · Abstract Strategy

Element

Players compete as rival sages who manipulate fire, water, earth and wind to encircle opponents and control territory. On each turn players draw and place four element stones, using each element’s special effects to block movement, shift terrain or alter adjacent stones. Rules for replacement and sacrifice allow transformation between elements and tactical trades to protect a sage or complete an encirclement. Play centers on spatial reasoning and timing as players build walls, redirect rivers, raise mountains and bend wind to create captures and secure victory.

groupPlayers

2–4 best 2

schedulePlaying time

30–60 min

cakeAge

14+

psychologyComplexity

2.3 / 5