ASHES: Blackout Protocol
ASHES: Blackout Protocol at your next game night?
Add ASHES: Blackout Protocol to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Jorge J. Barroso , Jesús Fuentes , Eduardo Pavón
- Publisher Perro Loko Games
- Illustration Jorge Tabanera Redondo
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You lead an underground colony after a global nuclear war, rescuing civilians, expanding shelters and contributing to Project Phoenix. The BGG description frames decisions around evacuation systems, rebuilding underground settlements and returning life to the surface.
Who Is This Game For?
A game for experienced players who enjoy engine building and strategic planning. With a playtime of about 120 minutes and support for 1–4 players, it suits groups that accept longer, more involved sessions.
How It Works
ASHES mixes Worker Placement with Tech Trees, Income and Pick-up-and-Deliver elements. On your personal board you place survivors on action spaces to build shelters, install Project Phoenix upgrades or rescue civilians, gaining resources like Fuel and Data, mission cards and end-of-round income and end-game bonuses.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jorge J. Barroso, Jesús Fuentes and Eduardo Pavón, the game blends Territory Building and Point-to-Point Movement with a retro post‑apocalyptic theme. The Project Phoenix narrative is a central objective according to the BGG text.
Pro
- Strong thematic premise drawn from the BGG description (post-apocalypse, Project Phoenix).
- Mechanically diverse: Worker Placement, Tech Trees and Income offer varied strategies.
- Supports solo play (1–4 players).
- Focus on engine building and end-game scoring through upgrades and bonuses.
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) requires commitment.
- Complexity and multiple systems can be demanding for newcomers.
Setting & atmosphere
Set after a Great Nuclear War (1989) in underground colonies built to preserve humanity. Players work to rescue survivors, expand shelters and advance Project Phoenix.
Tips for beginners
Learn the actions on your personal board first and how Income and End Game Bonuses interact before pursuing complex combos.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports 1 player according to the player count.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 120 minutes; allow extra time for setup and rules explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
This is aimed at experienced players familiar with Worker Placement and Tech Tree mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
BGG indicates ASHES combines Territory Building and Pick-up-and-Deliver with Tech Tracks in a strong narrative setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and longer playtime, it's better suited to older family members or hobby gamers.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Worker Placement, Tech Trees/Tech Tracks and Income is a defining mechanical trait.
Fazit
A strategic title for players who want Worker Placement with tech progression in a thematic post-apocalyptic world. Recommended if you can commit to ~120 minutes of gameplay.
ASHES: Blackout Protocol at your next game night?
Add ASHES: Blackout Protocol to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add ASHES: Blackout Protocol to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
