Arcs

About this board game

Arcs is a tactical space opera board game for 2–4 players, played in about 120 minutes. Set in a dark yet silly universe, it casts players as officials of a distant, decaying Empire, now free to compete for dominance.

Players pursue victory through battle, gathering scarce resources, and diplomatic intrigue. A deck of cards in four suits, with ranks from 1–7, drives the action selection system. In games with fewer than four players, the deck uses ranks from 2–6.

Cards are played in a trick-taking adjacent system to select actions, take the initiative, and declare Ambitions. Three declared Ambitions determine what will score in that deal, making timing essential. Even a poor hand can be managed through careful card play and by benefiting from the choices made by other players.

Conflict is resolved quickly, with the attacker choosing their level of risk. Defenders must be ready with sufficient defensive ships and cards in their tableau, creating sharp tactical decisions whenever rival powers clash.

• Card-driven action selection with four suits and ranks from 1–7
• Three declared Ambitions define scoring in each deal
• Fast battles shaped by attacker risk and defensive preparation
• A six-panel board, 100 wooden ships and agents, and 18 custom engraved dice
• Optional Leaders and Lore cards for a richer, more asymmetric experience

Each game includes a large collection of cards featuring more than 60 pieces of unique art. Arcs can be played without the optional Leaders and Lore cards for an easier teach, or with them for added depth and asymmetry.

The game also forms the core of a campaign experience, which requires the Blighted Reach Expansion. That campaign offers a more epic and thematic way to continue the galactic struggle.