Ethnos
- Designer Paolo Mori
- Publisher CMON Global Limited , Asterion Press , BoardM Factory , Conclave Editora , Delta Vision Publishing
- Illustration John Howe
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Ethnos, you summon fantasy tribes like giants, halflings, and minotaurs to gain control over six regions. Over three ages, players collect glory tokens by establishing majority influence. On your turn, you either recruit allies or play sets of cards matching tribe or color, activating special powers. The game combines tactical hand management with area control and risk elements.
Who Is This Game For?
Ethnos suits casual to experienced gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy strategic card play and area control. With about 60 minutes per game, it fits well into a medium-length gaming session. Prior experience with hand management and area majority games helps but is not mandatory.
How It Works
Players choose six of twelve fantasy tribes to build a deck. Each turn, you either take a face-up card or draw from the deck, or play a group of cards matching tribe or color. Played cards grant influence in regions and trigger special abilities. At the end of each age, players score points for majority influence. After three ages, the player with the most glory wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Paolo Mori, Ethnos was nominated for multiple 2017 Golden Geek Awards including Best Card Game and Best Strategy Board Game. It uniquely blends Open Drafting, Push Your Luck, and Area Majority in a richly illustrated fantasy world by artist John Howe. It belongs to the Ethnos game family and stands out for its combination of set collection and influence mechanics.
Awards
2017
- 2017 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combines Hand Management, Area Majority, and Set Collection
- Supports 2 to 6 players for flexible group sizes
- Nominated for several 2017 Golden Geek Awards
- Illustrations by John Howe enhance the atmosphere
Contra
- Not suitable for players under 14 due to complexity
- About 60 minutes playtime requires some patience
- No solo mode included
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the fantasy world of Ethnos, inhabited by twelve tribes such as elves, minotaurs, and trolls. Six color-coded regions define the areas of influence and strategic focus.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on collecting sets of matching colors or tribes and monitor majority control in regions carefully.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Ethnos is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game of Ethnos typically lasts around 60 minutes, suitable for medium-length sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Ethnos is a strategy game that benefits from familiarity with hand management and area majority mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Ethnos uniquely combines Open Drafting, Push Your Luck, and Area Majority in a fantasy setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 14, Ethnos is better suited for experienced families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The fusion of Area Majority, Hand Management, and Open Drafting defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Ethnos is recommended for players who enjoy tactical card interaction and area control in a fantasy setting. Its moderate duration and mechanics make it a solid choice for groups of 2 to 6 players.
