Aquatica

2019

Immerse in Aquatica, a captivating family engine-building game. Play as oceanic kings, strategize, gather resources, and ascend to glory in your underwater kingdom.

Average play time 60
minutes

Number of player(s) 1 - 4
player(s)

Recommended age 12+

Medium

About the game

Aquatica is a captivating deep-sea adventure board game that plunges you into the mysterious underwater kingdom, where you lead a group of adventurous sea creatures seeking to expand their realm. As a game of strategy and exploration, it combines elements of deck-building, hand management, and development with a distinctive twist of underwater maneuvering.

The game is set in the captivating depths of the ocean, a magical realm filled with colorful corals, shimmering schools of fish, and ancient underwater cities. Here, you are the ruler of a unique underwater civilization, striving to conquer the depths and extend your dominion. The game’s stunning artwork and thematic components make every game feel like a new deep-sea exploration, and the vibrant sea creatures and locations add to the immersion, transporting players into an awe-inspiring underwater world.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Aquatica is a popular underwater-themed strategy board game. It includes various components, each of which has a specific function and interacts with the game in unique ways. Here are the components included in ‘Aquatica’:

1. Player Boards

Each player gets an individual player board. This board is used to store cards, track resources, and manage their kingdoms. The player boards are instrumental in strategizing and planning moves in the game.

2. Character Cards

There are multiple Character Cards in the game. Each character has unique abilities that can be used to gain an advantage in the game. Players choose one character at the beginning of the game and use their specific skills throughout the game.

3. Location Cards

Location cards represent various underwater territories. Players can conquer these locations to gain resources and bonuses. The interaction of these cards with the player board and the character cards forms a significant part of the game’s strategy.

4. Ocean Creature Cards

Ocean Creature Cards add an extra layer of complexity and strategy to the game. These cards represent different sea creatures, each with unique abilities and effects on the game. They can be used to hinder opponents or boost one’s resources.

5. Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins

These coins serve as the currency in the game. Players use them to buy new cards or pay for certain actions. Each coin type has a different value, with gold being the highest and copper the lowest.

6. Manta Tokens

Manta tokens represent the player’s loyal underwater creatures. These tokens can be used to gain resources or provide temporary boosts. They interact with the player board and can be used in conjunction with character and location cards.

7. Score Track

The score track is used to keep track of each player’s points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. The score track is a vital interactive tool that helps players understand their standing in the game.

8. Wild Cards

Wild cards are versatile tools in the game. They can be used as any other card, providing flexibility in strategy and planning. Their interaction with the game is highly dependent on the player’s choice and strategy.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Aquatica is a fascinating and deep strategy game that allows players to step into the roles of Sea Kings. The aim is to explore and conquer the underwater world, recruiting characters, and gathering resources. To set up the game, please follow the steps below:

1. Identify Player Roles:

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board, player marker, and deck of character cards. Each deck has a King and 9 other characters.

2. Arrange the Game Board:

Place the main game board in the center of the playing area. Make sure all players can access the board easily. The board includes the Ocean, Manta pool, and deck of character cards.

3. Prepare the Ocean:

Shuffle the small and large Location cards separately and place them facedown on their respective spots on the game board. Draw 6 cards from the small Location deck and 4 cards from the large Location deck and place them faceup in the Ocean area.

4. Set up the Manta pool:

Sort the Manta cards by type and place them in separate stacks in the Manta pool area of the board. Each player takes one Manta card of each type (I, II, III) and places them near their player board.

5. Distribute Initial Resources:

Each player places their player marker on the ‘0’ space of the score track. Then, they shuffle their deck of character cards and draw 6 cards to form their starting hand.

6. Random Elements:

The game includes several random elements that add variety to each playthrough. These include the arrangement of the Ocean and the draw order of the character cards. At the start of each player’s turn, they draw a card from their deck, adding an element of unpredictability to the game.

7. Determine the First Player:

Randomly determine the first player. This player receives the King’s Trident token and will take the first turn when the game begins.

Now, the game is ready to start. Each player, in turn order, will take actions to explore the Ocean, recruit characters, and score points. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner. Good luck and enjoy exploring the depths of Aquatica!

Game flow Round and round we go

Aquatica is a highly strategic board game that invites players to dive into the role of sea kings, ruling over underwater kingdoms. The game is structured into rounds, with each round divided into phases. During each phase, players perform specific actions. Here’s a detailed description of each round and phase in the game:

1. Starting Phase:

In the initial phase of the game, each player is given a deck of character cards, a player board, and a starting hand of cards. The players can use these cards to perform various actions during their turn. The starting player is chosen randomly.

2. Player’s Turn:

During a player’s turn, they may perform one of the following actions:

Play a Character Card: The player can play a character card from their hand, using its abilities to perform various actions such as recruiting new character cards, exploring new locations, or conquering locations.
Score a Location: A location that has been conquered and moved to the player’s scoring area on their player board can be scored for points.
Refresh Hand: If a player has no cards or doesn’t want to play any of their remaining cards, they can choose to refresh their hand. This means they return all their played cards back to their hand.

3. End of Round:

At the end of each round, the active player completes their turn and the next player clockwise becomes the active player. If it is the first player’s turn again, a new round begins.

4. End of Game:

The game ends when one of the following conditions is met:

There are no more locations left in the draw pile.
One player has scored eight locations.

At this point, players tally up their points from the locations they’ve scored, their coins, and any bonus points from character cards. The player with the most points wins the game.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In the captivating underwater world of ‘Aquatica’, players take turns to perform various actions with the aim of scoring the most points at the end of the game. A player’s turn is divided into several parts, and each part offers different strategic choices that can significantly influence the course of the game.

1. Starting the Turn:

At the beginning of the turn, players may have up to five cards in their hands. These cards can be used to perform different actions, including adding new locations or characters to their kingdom, or activating special abilities.

2. Playing a Card:

Playing a character card: When a player plays a character card from their hand, they perform the action indicated on the card. These actions can include exploring new locations, recruiting new characters, or gaining resources. The played card then goes to the player’s discard pile.

Playing a location card: When a player plays a location card, they add it to their play area. Each location provides a unique benefit, such as generating resources or points. The player can also choose to ‘dive’ the location, moving it to their scoring pile and gaining any points indicated.

3. Exploring the Depths:

Players can also choose to use their turn to ‘explore’, drawing cards from the location deck and choosing one to add to their play area. This can be a powerful way to get new locations that are not available in the market.

4. Buying from the Market:

Instead of exploring, players can choose to ‘buy’ a card from the market. This can be a way to get powerful characters or valuable locations that are not available in the deck. However, buying requires resources, so players must balance this option with their resource generation.

5. Ending the Turn:

At the end of the turn, the player draws back up to their hand limit of five cards. If their deck is empty, they shuffle their discard pile to create a new deck. The next player then takes their turn.

By understanding the different actions and strategic choices available during a player’s turn in ‘Aquatica’, players can plan their moves carefully and maximize their points to win the game. The use of strategy, foresight, and a bit of luck will determine who will reign supreme in the underwater kingdom.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Aquatica’ ends when any of the following conditions are met:

King’s Rotation: The King card in the character deck is revealed and placed on the game board.
Empty Location Deck: All cards from the location deck have been taken.

Once any of these conditions are met, each player gets one last turn before the game ends. After this final round, players proceed to the scoring phase.

Scoring:

In ‘Aquatica’, players accumulate points through different methods, all of which are added together for the final score:

Location Cards: Each player adds up the points from all their scored location cards.
Character Cards: Points are also awarded from character cards. Each character card has different scoring conditions, so players must check each of their cards.
Manta Rays: Players also receive points from their Manta rays. The points are indicated on the top left corner of each Manta ray card.

Once all points are totaled, the player with the highest score is declared the winner of the game. In the event of a tie, the player with the most scored location cards wins. If there’s still a tie, the player with the most character cards wins. If there is still a tie after this, the victory is shared.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the board game ‘Aquatica’, the scoring system comprises several elements where players can earn victory points. These elements include:

Scoring from Character Cards: At the end of the game, each player adds up the victory points for all of their visible Character Cards. The individual points are indicated on the top left of each card.
Scoring from Location Cards: Additionally, players score points for all of their conquered Location Cards. The value of these points varies and is indicated on each card.
Scoring from King’s Store: Players also score points for the highest visible number on their King’s Store. This represents the wealth accumulated by the player.
Scoring from Ocean Creatures: Finally, players earn points from their Ocean Creatures. The value of these points is also indicated on the specific creature card.

After all points are totaled, the player with the highest score is declared the winner. However, if there is a tie, the following tie-breaking rules are applied:

The player with the most Location Cards in their possession wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most Character Cards wins.
If the tie persists, the player who is earlier in the player order wins.

Please note that these rules apply to the standard game. Variations or expansions may change these rules or add new scoring opportunities.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Aquatica is a complex board game with many unique rules and exceptions. Understanding these can greatly enhance your gameplay. Here are some of the key elements to remember:

Manta Ray Use:

Although Manta Rays provide a one-time bonus when you take them, they also provide ongoing abilities that you can use throughout the game.

Character Card Actions:

Remember that the actions on a character card can only be used once per round. After using an action, you must rotate the card to show that it has been used.

Scoring Points:

In the end game scoring, don’t forget to count points for your leftover gold and unused Manta Rays. Each gold coin is worth 1 point, and each Manta Ray is worth points according to its value.

Location Cards:

You cannot conquer a location if you do not have enough space in your personal play area to place it.
Once a location is fully raised, it cannot be lowered again for any reason.

Recruiting Characters:

When recruiting a character, you do not need to pay the exact cost. You can overpay if you want, but you do not get any change back.

King Cards:

King Cards are powerful and can change the course of the game. However, they can only be acquired by fully raising a location that has a King Symbol.

Game End:

The game ends immediately when any player has eight cards in their scoring pile at the end of their turn. Finish the round so each player has had an equal number of turns, then proceed to scoring.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Aquatica is a complex and strategic board game. It requires thoughtful planning, resource management, and a keen understanding of the game mechanics to win. Here are some strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid, which will help you optimize your gameplay experience.

Advanced Strategies:

Optimize Card Utilization: Always look for ways to use your cards to their fullest potential. Don’t just use them for their primary purpose, but also consider their secondary uses. For example, a card that provides resources can also be used for its power.
Know Your Opponent: Watch your opponent’s actions closely. If they are focusing on gathering specific types of resources or cards, you can disrupt their strategy by taking those resources first.
Plan Ahead: Always plan a few turns ahead. If you only focus on the current turn, you may find yourself without resources or options in the next round.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the Basics: Start by understanding the basic mechanics of the game. Know the purpose of each card, how to acquire resources, and how to score points.
Focus on Scoring Points: As a beginner, focus on scoring points rather than disrupting your opponent’s strategy. This will help you understand the ways to score and build a solid foundation for future strategies.
Use Your Resources Wisely: Don’t waste your resources. Only spend them when it is absolutely necessary or when it will provide a significant advantage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring the Opponent: One common mistake is to focus solely on your own game and ignore what your opponent is doing. This can leave you vulnerable to their strategies and prevent you from effectively countering them.
Spending Resources Unnecessarily: Another mistake is to spend resources without a clear purpose. This can leave you without the necessary resources when you need them the most.
Not Planning Ahead: Failing to plan for future turns can lead to a lack of options and can limit your strategies.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Use Efficient Strategies: Efficient strategies can significantly improve your gameplay. This includes using your cards effectively, managing your resources wisely, and planning ahead.
Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you will understand the game and the more effective your strategies will become. Practice regularly to improve your gameplay.
Learn from Your Mistakes: Every game is a learning experience. Pay attention to the mistakes you make and try to avoid them in future games.