Lost Ruins of Arnak - Gateway to Heavy

Skin in the Board Games - Master Strategies

When you step out into the adventure of Lost Ruins of Arnak, the intimidation of the unknown can overwhelm. Consider some of these master strategies for a calmer quest.

#1: Be 1st to the finish

There’s a +2 VP advantage for the 1st player to reach the lost temple with their magnifying glass. That position serves as the tie-breaker, so I round it up to +3.

The resource bonuses that you gain along the research track will give you momentum to achieve this goal. So, try to stay 1 step ahead of your opponents on this path.

#2: Don’t fear the fear

Each fear card loses you 1 VP at the end of the game if they aren’t exiled. Their use is mostly limited to traveling to the low level tent sites requiring a boot icon. In most cases, gaining fear cards should be avoided from fleeing guardians or the artifacts & sites that add them.

Be aware of the dangers of gathering too much fear in your deck, but also know that you can make it work to your advantage. Some of the often overlooked assistants work well with a deck heavy with fear. 1 has the power to exile it. Another can trade a boot for an arrowhead.

Instead of defeating the monster, using your resources to advance up the research track will give you a lead over your opponents to the top.

#3: Synergize assistants with your strategy.

Some assistants are more sought after than others. Try to be 1st to get the best ones if you can. But even if you get stuck with less than desirable partners for your expedition, allow them to work with your master plan.

Getting a power pair of assistants can build your momentum.

Also, always look for cards that compliment your assistants’ abilities.

#4: It’s not what, but when

There is a general progression in the value of resources. Basically, the values increase from left to right on the base tent sites. Remember that this is a resource management game & if you overlook the importance of just 1 of the resources, you can have your entire expedition come to a halt.

• Coins: Are most important in the 1st & 2nd rounds to build your deck.

• Compasses: Are necessary for unlocking new sites & buying artifacts. Decide which of these is most important for each round based on the board conditions & what is available on card row.

• Tablets: After the 1st round, these can be the most reliable resource if you have a consistent way to upgrade them.

• Arrowheads: Are the strongest weapon against defeating guardians. When facing 1 of these monsters, it is best to have an arrowhead or know how you can get 1.

  

• Jewels: These are the heaviest most valuable resource. If you don’t have a way of getting these by the later rounds, you won’t be able to advance up the research track. In other words, you won’t win.

#5: Prepare to Pivot

It is easy to get drawn into the fatal tunnel-vision playing Lost Ruins of Arnak. It’s great to have a general strategy for victory, but at any point in the game, an unexpected turn may need you to adjust course.

Despite your best efforts, you may need to flee from a guardian, adding an extra fear card to your deck. Adjust.

An opponent may overtake you on the research path to gain the bonus resources & secure the +2 VP at the finish. Adjust.

A powerful item or artifact may appear on card row. Don’t ask for permission, buy it.

These are just a few examples of what you can face when you explore the Lost Ruins of Arnak.

Final tip: Be prepared . . . for anything!
If they can, they will. (Modified Murphy’s Law)

Expect any opponent interference to occur. If you see a crucial site to place your explorer, any other action will only allow a competitor to swoop in. The same goes for buying a card. I wonder if anybody else is gonna…, of course they will! Consider that 1st opportunity as the only opportunity. Those that hesitate are lost!

Follow my journey to WSBG to become Lost Ruins of Arnak Champion!

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