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Inis

Inis is a strategic board game for 2-4 players, set in ancient Celtic Ireland. Players compete to become the High King by exploring, building, and battling for control of territories and sacred sites.

7.83 / 10
BGG Rating
14+
age
2016
published year
2 - 4
player count
2 - 4
Recommended player count
60 - 90 mins
play time

How Complex is Inis?

2.88 / 5

Inis has moderate complexity, with a few rules to learn, but strategic depth and multiple paths to victory that require careful planning and decision-making.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Inis?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Inis, with some luck-based elements such as card draws and dice rolls, but strategic decisions and player interactions have a greater impact on the game's outcome.

How much Player Interaction does Inis offer?

4.5 / 5

Inis has a high level of player interaction, with opportunities for alliances, negotiations, and conflicts over territories and objectives, making it a highly engaging and social game.

How much Replayability does Inis offer?

4 / 5

Inis offers high replayability due to the variable setup, multiple victory conditions, and diverse card combinations that create different strategies and outcomes in each game.

Why you should play Inis

Unique Theme

Inis is set in ancient Ireland and features a unique blend of Celtic mythology and strategy gameplay. The game's theme is both immersive and engaging, making it a great choice for players who enjoy games with a strong narrative.

Strategic Gameplay

Inis is a game of strategy and tactics, where players must carefully plan their moves and anticipate their opponents' actions. The game's mechanics are easy to learn but difficult to master, making it a great choice for players who enjoy games that challenge their strategic thinking.

Replayability

Inis features a modular board and a variety of different cards, ensuring that no two games are ever the same. The game's replayability is further enhanced by the fact that players must adapt their strategies to the changing game state, ensuring that each game is a unique experience.

Player Interaction

Inis is a highly interactive game, with players constantly vying for control of territories and resources. The game's mechanics encourage players to form alliances and make deals, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.

Beautiful Artwork

Inis features stunning artwork that captures the game's Celtic theme perfectly. The game's components are also of high quality, making it a pleasure to play and look at.

Overall, Inis is a fantastic game that offers a unique blend of strategy, theme, and player interaction. If you're a fan of games that challenge your strategic thinking and immerse you in a richly detailed world, then Inis is definitely worth checking out.

Why you should avoid Inis

Complexity

While Inis is not an overly complex game, it does have a lot of moving parts and can be overwhelming for new players. The game's mechanics may take some time to fully understand, which could be a turn-off for players who prefer simpler games.

Length

Inis can be a long game, especially if players are taking their time to plan their moves and consider their options. This may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter, more fast-paced games.

Player Count

Inis is best played with 3-4 players, and may not be as enjoyable with fewer or more players. This could be a drawback for players who prefer games that can be played with a wider range of player counts.

Overall, while Inis is a fantastic game, it may not be for everyone. Players who prefer simpler, faster-paced games may find Inis to be too complex or too long, while players who prefer games that can be played with a wider range of player counts may find the game limiting.

Where to find the Rules of Inis

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

Beginner Strategies for Inis

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Inis.

Focus on controlling territories

In Inis, controlling territories is key to winning the game. Try to control as many territories as possible, especially those with sanctuaries or citadels.

Use your cards wisely

The cards in Inis are powerful and can give you a significant advantage. Make sure to use them at the right time, and don't be afraid to hold onto them until the perfect moment.

Plan ahead

Inis is a game that requires careful planning and foresight. Think about your moves ahead of time and try to anticipate your opponents' actions.

Be flexible

While planning ahead is important, it's also important to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if things aren't going as planned.

Keep an eye on the victory conditions

Inis has multiple victory conditions, so make sure to keep an eye on them throughout the game. Try to position yourself to achieve as many victory conditions as possible.

Don't neglect the epic tales

The epic tales in Inis can be powerful tools for achieving victory. Make sure to pay attention to them and try to complete them if possible.

Know when to fight and when to negotiate

Inis is a game of conflict and negotiation. Sometimes it's better to fight, and other times it's better to negotiate. Learn to read the situation and make the best decision for your position.

I hope these strategies help you in your first game of Inis!

Advanced Strategies for Inis

Use the draft to your advantage

Inis uses a drafting mechanic to determine turn order and which cards are available to players. Use this to your advantage by taking cards that complement your strategy and denying your opponents cards that could be useful to them.

Pay attention to the seasons

Each season in Inis has its own unique rules and victory conditions. Make sure to take advantage of these conditions and plan your moves accordingly.

Don't be afraid to take risks

Inis is a game that rewards bold moves and calculated risks. Don't be afraid to take chances and try something new, even if it seems risky.

Use your leaders strategically

Leaders are powerful tools in Inis, and can give you a significant advantage if used correctly. Make sure to use your leaders strategically and position them in territories where they can be most effective.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Inis is a game of conflict and negotiation, so it's important to keep an eye on your opponents and anticipate their moves. Try to predict their actions and plan accordingly.

Use the epic tales to your advantage

The epic tales in Inis can be powerful tools for achieving victory. Make sure to pay attention to them and try to complete them if possible.

Be flexible with your strategy

Inis is a game that requires flexibility and adaptability. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if things aren't going as planned, and be willing to adjust your plans based on the actions of your opponents.

I hope these strategies help you in your future games of Inis!

Mechanics

Modular Board
Campaign / Battle Card Driven
Hand Management
Area Movement
Area Majority / Influence
Interrupts
King of the Hill
Variable Set-up
Map Addition
Closed Drafting

Categories

Card Game
Wargame
Exploration
Negotiation
Medieval
Mythology

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