Edit Game
Pax Pamir: Second Edition box image

Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Pax Pamir: Second Edition is a strategic board game set in 19th century Afghanistan, where players compete to gain influence and control over the country through alliances, warfare, and political maneuvering.

8.20 / 10
BGG Rating
13+
age
2019
published year
1 - 5
player count
1 - 5
Recommended player count
45 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is Pax Pamir: Second Edition?

3.85 / 5

Pax Pamir: Second Edition has a moderate complexity, with a steep learning curve due to the various mechanics and strategic options available to players.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Pax Pamir: Second Edition?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a minor role in Pax Pamir: Second Edition, as players have control over their actions and can mitigate the impact of chance events, but there is still some randomness in the game's card draws and dice rolls.

How much Player Interaction does Pax Pamir: Second Edition offer?

5 / 5

Pax Pamir: Second Edition offers extensive player interaction, as players must form alliances, negotiate, and compete for control over the country through warfare, espionage, and political maneuvering.

How much Replayability does Pax Pamir: Second Edition offer?

4 / 5

Pax Pamir: Second Edition offers high replayability due to the various paths to victory, multiple factions with unique abilities, and the randomized setup of the board and card decks.

Why you should play Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Unique Theme

Pax Pamir: Second Edition is set in 19th century Afghanistan, which is a unique and rarely explored theme in board games. The game offers a deep dive into the political and cultural landscape of the region, making it an educational and immersive experience.

Strategic Gameplay

The game offers a deep and complex strategic gameplay experience, where players must balance their alliances, resources, and actions to gain power and influence in the region. The game offers multiple paths to victory, making each playthrough unique and challenging.

Beautiful Artwork

The game features stunning artwork that captures the essence of the Afghan landscape and culture. The cards and game board are beautifully illustrated, making the game a visual treat.

High Replayability

The game offers a high replayability factor, as each game is different due to the randomization of the cards and the different paths to victory. The game also offers different player counts and modes, making it a versatile game that can be played with different groups.

Award-Winning Design

Pax Pamir: Second Edition has won multiple awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Wargame and the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre-20th Century Board Wargame. The game has been praised for its innovative design and unique theme, making it a must-play for board game enthusiasts.

Why you should avoid Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Complexity

The game has a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for new players. The game mechanics and rules are complex, and it may take a few playthroughs to fully understand the game.

Lengthy Playtime

The game can take a long time to play, especially with a full player count. The game can take up to 3-4 hours to complete, which may not be suitable for players looking for a quick game.

Limited Theme Appeal

The game's theme may not appeal to everyone, as it is set in a specific historical and cultural context. Players who are not interested in the Afghan region or political history may not find the game engaging.

High Player Interaction

The game requires a lot of player interaction and negotiation, which may not be suitable for players who prefer a more solitary gameplay experience.

Randomness

The game has a significant amount of randomness due to the card draw and dice rolls, which may frustrate players who prefer a more deterministic gameplay experience.

Where to find the Rules of Pax Pamir: Second Edition

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Pax Pamir: Second Edition files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Pax Pamir: Second Edition

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Pax Pamir: Second Edition.

Understand the victory conditions

In Pax Pamir, players can win by either controlling the most influence in Afghanistan or by backing the winning faction. Make sure you understand how these victory conditions work and plan your strategy accordingly.

Focus on building your economy

The game revolves around the use of cards, and having a strong economy will allow you to acquire the cards you need to advance your position. Make sure to invest in trade routes and other economic opportunities to build up your resources.

Keep an eye on the board

The board state can change quickly in Pax Pamir, so it's important to pay attention to what your opponents are doing and how the factions are progressing. Be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.

Use your spies wisely

Spies can be a powerful tool in Pax Pamir, allowing you to manipulate the board state and gain an advantage. However, using them too aggressively can also make you a target for other players. Use your spies strategically and be prepared to defend against them.

Don't neglect the cultural game

While controlling the board is important, the cultural game can also be a key factor in winning. Make sure to invest in cultural cards and events to gain influence and advance your position.

Overall, Pax Pamir

Second Edition 2019 is a game that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking. By focusing on building your economy, keeping an eye on the board, using your spies wisely, and investing in the cultural game, you can position yourself for victory.

Advanced Strategies for Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Understand the factions

Each faction in Pax Pamir has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding how they work is key to developing a winning strategy. Pay attention to the faction abilities and how they interact with the cards and board state.

Use the market to your advantage

The market can be a powerful tool for acquiring the cards you need, but it can also be a trap if you're not careful. Make sure to keep an eye on the market and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on what's available.

Balance your investments

In Pax Pamir, it's important to balance your investments between the economic, military, and cultural aspects of the game. Don't neglect any one area, but also don't spread yourself too thin.

Be flexible

The board state can change quickly in Pax Pamir, so it's important to be flexible and adapt to new situations. Don't get too attached to a particular strategy or plan, and be prepared to pivot if necessary.

Play the long game

Pax Pamir is a game that rewards patience and long-term planning. Don't get too caught up in short-term gains or losses, but instead focus on building a strong foundation for future turns.

Overall, Pax Pamir

Second Edition 2019 is a game that requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and adaptability. By understanding the factions, using the market to your advantage, balancing your investments, being flexible, and playing the long game, you can position yourself for victory.

Mechanics

Action Points
Hand Management
Open Drafting
Area Movement
Simulation
Area Majority / Influence
Solo / Solitaire Game
Score-and-Reset Game
Increase Value of Unchosen Resources
Negotiation
Auction: Dutch
Tags

Categories

Political
Economic
Negotiation
Spies/Secret Agents
Educational
Post-Napoleonic