The Valley of Alchemists

About this board game

The Valley of Alchemists is a 2019 board game for 2–4 players, with each game taking about 75 minutes. Players take the roles of renowned alchemists competing in the Valley’s annual Spring contest to earn the most Experience Points.

Set in a mountain valley revealed when a glacier thawed its ancient permafrost, the game invites players to study remarkable local wildlife and uncover the secrets of its ingredients. Years of experimentation have led to the mastery of exquisite mixtures, but only one alchemist can claim the title of the Valley’s best for the coming year.

Play proceeds through a series of turns, beginning with the First Player and continuing clockwise. On each turn, a player performs any two actions from five available options. The chosen actions may be taken in any order or combination, and the same action type may be performed twice.

• Collect ingredients
• Brew decoctions
• Make elixirs
• Rearrange elixirs
• Sell a line of elixirs

During the game, players gather ingredients, brew decoctions, and transform them into magical elixirs. Experience Points are earned throughout the game and again when it ends, rewarding progress made during the contest.

With its focused action system and fantastical setting, The Valley of Alchemists centers on preparing mixtures and turning alchemical work into points. The player with the most Experience Points at the end wins the Spring contest and becomes the finest alchemist in the Valley.