Elysium

2-4

Players

Minutes

14+

Age

2015

Published

Designer Matthew Dunstan , Brett J. Gilbert
Publisher Space Cowboys , asmodee , Asterion Press , Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Illustration John McCambridge , Eric Bourgier , Cari , Vincent Dutrait , Sylvain Guinebaud , Didier Poli

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What to Expect

In Elysium, you play as a demigod seeking favor from the Olympian gods. You draft heroes, artifacts, and powers to create combos that earn gold and victory points. Over five rounds, you build legends by collecting sets of cards linked to different gods and levels. Cards lose power when moved to Elysium, forcing tough choices. The game offers a blend of open drafting, set collection, and strategic dilemmas.

Who Is This Game For?

Elysium is aimed at experienced gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy strategic card games with moderate complexity. It plays in about 60 minutes and is designed for 2 to 4 players. Newcomers should have some familiarity with drafting and set collection to fully appreciate the tactical depth.

How It Works

Players use open drafting to select cards representing heroes, items, and gods. By collecting sets of cards of varying levels and families, players build powerful combos. The turn order is determined dynamically through a Claim Action mechanic. Variable setup adds variety to each game. Take That elements allow players to affect opponents while building their own tableau.

Open Drafting Set Collection Take That Turn Order: Claim Action Variable Set-up

What Makes It Special

Designed by Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert, Elysium was nominated for the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2015. It uniquely combines open drafting with dynamic turn order and Take That mechanics in a mythological Greek theme. The game also received multiple Golden Geek nominations for strategy and artwork.

Awards

Nominated
2015

2015 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated

Pro

Combines open drafting and set collection
Dynamic turn order via Claim Action
Thematic Ancient Greece setting
2015 Kennerspiel des Jahres nominee

Contra

Not suitable for players under 14
Requires experience with complex card games
Can be challenging for beginners due to tactical depth

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in mythic Ancient Greece, players take on the role of demigods vying for the favor of the Olympian gods. The theme blends Greek mythology with epic heroes and magical artifacts.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on understanding set collection and experiment with combos to learn card synergies.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Elysium is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.

What prior experience do I need?

Familiarity with drafting and set collection mechanics helps in mastering the game's strategic depth.

How does this compare to similar games?

Elysium stands out by combining open drafting with dynamic turn order and Take That elements.

Is this suitable for families?

With a recommended age of 14+ and strategic complexity, it’s better suited for experienced players than younger families.

What mechanic makes it special?

The mix of open drafting, set collection, and Claim Action for turn order defines its unique gameplay.

Fazit

Elysium is a recommended strategic card game for fans of drafting and set collection. Its 60-minute playtime balances accessibility with tactical depth, making it a solid choice for experienced players seeking meaningful decisions.