Inis

2-4

Players

Minutes

14+

Age

2016

Published

Designer Christian Martinez
Publisher Matagot , Bureau de Juegos , Buró , Galakta , Gen-X Games
Illustration Dimitri Bielak , Jim FitzPatrick

Track your results with Playnexi

Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.

Start for free

What to Expect

You lead Celtic clans exploring and settling an island, drafting action cards during Assemblies and collecting epic tales tied to Irish myths. Victory can be achieved via Leadership, Land presence, or Religion, and interactions revolve around area movement and influence. Expect careful hand management, timing, and bluffing around passing.

Who Is This Game For?

A game for experienced players (not a light family filler). Recommended age is 14+, and the typical playtime is about 90 minutes, so it suits groups comfortable with medium-weight strategic planning.

How It Works

Each round features an Assembly where players draft action cards (Action Drafting, Closed Drafting). Cards enable placing and moving clans (Area Movement), building influence and competing for control (Area Majority / Influence). Hand Management matters because unused cards do not carry over. Campaign/Battle card-driven elements and leader cards affect contested territories.

Action Drafting Area Majority / Influence Area Movement Campaign / Battle Card Driven Closed Drafting Hand Management

What Makes It Special

Designed by Christian Martinez, Inis mixes Celtic mythology (epic tales) with a tight draft-plus-majority system. The game was a multiple nominee in 2016 awards, including Golden Geek categories and Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel (2016). The blend of mechanics creates tense political gameplay rather than pure combat.

Awards

Nominated
2016

2017 RPC Fantasy Award Board Game — Nominated
2017 SXSW Tabletop Game of the Year — Nominated
2016 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel — Nominated

Pro

Strong mix of Action/Closed Drafting and Area Majority
Epic-tales ties the theme to mechanics
High player interaction through Assembly and majority fights
Solid medium-weight strategic depth

Contra

Around 90 minutes can be long for casual groups
Learning curve for draft and passing dynamics

Setting & Atmosphäre

The setting is a newly discovered island tied to Celtic/Irish myths where clans expand, build sanctuaries and vie for kingship. Mythic deeds are represented by epic tales cards.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Play a discovery game to learn the Assembly and drafting rhythms; focus on one victory path early on.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

No. The game supports 2–4 players.

How long does a game really take?

Approximate duration is 90 minutes; first plays with explanation may take longer.

What prior experience do I need?

Familiarity with drafting, hand management and area-majority concepts helps; newcomers should expect a learning game.

How does this compare to similar games?

Inis emphasizes Assembly-based closed/action drafting combined with area-majority mechanics rather than pure wargame combat.

Is this suitable for families?

With min age 14 and medium complexity, it's better for older family members or mixed groups familiar with strategic board games.

What mechanic makes it special?

The Assembly draft (Action Drafting / Closed Drafting) together with Area Majority / Influence defines the core experience.

Fazit

Inis is recommended for groups who enjoy 90-minute strategy games with drafting and area control. Skip it if you want a quick, low-complexity family game.