Aridnyk

About this board game

Aridnyk is a board game for 1–4 players that takes about 60 minutes, casting you as a shepherd guiding a flock through the mountains of the Carpathians.

Based on the mythology and legends of the Hutsuls, a Ukrainian ethnic group from the Carpathians, the game blends Christian and pagan traditions with the customs of highlander life. As spring gives way to fall, you will search for the best pastures while encountering the ancient spirits of the region.

On your turn, place a tile from your hand and resolve its “when placed” abilities. These effects may move your Shepherd, move one of the Spirits, let you draw a Plot of Trinket card, or help you gain Sheep. After moving your Shepherd, you may also activate the “when moved on” ability of the tile where the Shepherd ends their movement.

• Move your Shepherd across mountain pastures.
• Interact with spirits including the Great Wolf, the Blackbird, Aley, Aridnyk, and the Holy God.
• Play one trinket card during your turn when all its conditions are met.
• Use trinkets for a buff or to gain any number of plot cards.

The Great Wolf threatens your flock, while the Blackbird has been ordered by God to shepherd every sheep in the world. You may also exchange magical trinkets from Aridnyk, once the brother of God, and gain wisdom from the all-knowing Holy God.

Play continues until all tiles have been placed. After the final player completes their turn, everyone counts their Sheep, and the player with the largest flock wins. With its distinctive Hutsul setting and tile-driven actions, Aridnyk turns Carpathian folklore into a race for pasture and prosperity.