The Grizzled

2-5

Players

Minutes

14+

Age

2015

Published

Designer Fabien Riffaud , Juan Rodriguez
Publisher Sweet Games , BoardM Factory , CMON Global Limited , Cool Mini Or Not , Lavka Games
Illustration Tignous

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What to Expect

Players take on the roles of soldiers trying to survive the war together. Each round, the team leader decides how many cards each player draws. Players then take turns playing threat or negative personality cards or dropping out of the mission. Communication is limited, requiring careful hand management and teamwork. The game ends when the draw deck and hands are depleted or if too many identical threats appear.

Who Is This Game For?

Designed for players aged 14 and up, The Grizzled is a medium-weight cooperative card game lasting about 30 minutes. It suits players with some experience in cooperative games who enjoy thematic challenges and limited communication. It is less suitable for families with younger children due to complexity and theme.

How It Works

The game uses mechanics such as Hand Management, Push Your Luck, and Communication Limits. The team leader sets the number of cards drawn each round. Players then either play cards representing threats or negative traits or choose to back out. Too many repeated threats cause the mission to fail. Most player information remains secret, making planning and cooperation essential.

Communication Limits Cooperative Game Hand Management Move Through Deck Push Your Luck Variable Player Powers

What Makes It Special

Created by Fabien Riffaud and Juan Rodriguez, The Grizzled won the 2015 Board Game Quest Award for Best Cooperative Game. It combines a historical WWI setting with innovative limited communication mechanics. Part of a family of games with solo expansions, it stands out for its emotional and tense gameplay.

Awards

Nominated
2015

2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Card Game — Nominated
2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game — Winner
2015 Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel — Nominated

Pro

Strong cooperative gameplay focused on teamwork
Limited communication adds strategic depth
Short playtime of about 30 minutes
2015 Board Game Quest Award winner for Best Cooperative Game

Contra

Not suitable for players under 14
Requires good team coordination
Communication limits can frustrate new players

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in the trenches of World War I, players experience the psychological and physical challenges faced by soldiers during the war.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on communicating effectively with your teammates and plan your moves to manage threats collaboratively.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

The Grizzled is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include an official solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick cooperative experience.

What prior experience do I need?

It is a medium complexity game suited for players familiar with cooperative gameplay.

How does this compare to similar games?

The Grizzled stands out through its limited communication mechanic and WWI theme.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and age recommendation, it is less suited for families with younger kids.

What mechanic makes it special?

The blend of Hand Management, Push Your Luck, and Communication Limits shapes the gameplay.

Fazit

The Grizzled is recommended for fans of cooperative card games with historical themes who want a short yet challenging experience. It offers a strong focus on teamwork and communication.