87

Scythe is an engine-building board game set in an alternate-history 1920s period featuring farming, mechs, eurogame elements, and war. Players control factions vying for power in Eastern Europa, using asymmetric player powers to expand territory, upgrade actions, and build structures while managing resources and combat.

87

The Verdict

based on 50 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Stunning and evocative artwork and high-quality components, including detailed miniatures and dual-layered player boards.
A unique blend of game mechanics, including engine-building, area control, and resource management, with multiple paths to victory.
Asymmetric factions and variable player boards provide significant replayability and strategic variety.
The 'cold war' tension created by the constant threat of combat is a frequently praised and unique aspect of the gameplay.
A streamlined action selection system that makes turns quick and the game flow smoothly despite its strategic depth.
The game can be slow-paced, especially in the beginning, with limited player interaction.
The combat system is sometimes described as simplistic and anti-climactic.
Some critics feel there can be a disconnect between the wargame-like appearance (mechs) and the core engine-building eurogame mechanics, which might disappoint players expecting more direct conflict.
100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Meeple Mountain, JPArticleTop List

The reviewer finds Scythe a meaty, satisfying game with a unique theme, innovative mechanics, and high production quality, loving it despite minor issues with combat and pace. An explicit 0.0 out of 5.0 rating is inexplicably given.

See list
95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Ars Technica, Aaron ZimmermanArticle

Scythe is a well-designed competitive game that successfully blends area control and resource management into a clever strategic puzzle. Despite its wargame appearance, it offers deep gameplay, simple turns, and gorgeous components, earning high praise.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Meeple and the MooseArticle

Scythe masterfully blends tense cold-war diplomacy, efficient engine building, and stunning Jakub Rozalski artwork into a deeply strategic experience. Despite occasional combat, victory hinges on careful resource optimization and popularity management rather than sheer aggression.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameBollocks, DamonVideo

The video reviews "Scythe", analyzing its enduring appeal and whether it remains a worthwhile game. It discusses aspects like combat and early game pace, acknowledging its impact on the industry while noting it's starting to show its age.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Plays, RyanVideo

This video offers a comprehensive review of the board game Scythe, detailing its unique blend of resource production, economic strategy, and war game mechanics. The reviewer expresses strong positive sentiment, praising its strategic depth and overall engaging gameplay, considering it a great medium-heavy game that could rank among his top favorites.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Inverse, Ben GuarinoArticle

The reviewer declares Scythe to be a 'great' and 'par excellence' tabletop game, praising its satisfying efficiency engine, unique dieselpunk setting, and clever design that fosters strategic interaction. Despite a potentially abrupt endgame, the game's depth and engaging gameplay strongly encourage repeated plays.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board of it, Board Of ItVideo

This review of the physical board game Scythe highlights its accessible gameplay despite an initial complex appearance. The reviewers praise the game extensively, declaring it 'the BEST board game to date' and strongly recommending it as a must-buy.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Pudgy Cat GamesArticle

The reviewer enthusiastically praises Scythe as a phenomenally designed Euro game, highlighting its visually stunning components and varied, engaging gameplay. They appreciate its strategic depth and diverse faction abilities, recommending it for fans of heavier board games.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nerds on EarthArticle

The reviewer highly praises Scythe for its exceptional thematic integration with engaging mechanics, such as strategic combat, diverse win conditions, and meaningful encounters, which consistently create unique and memorable player experiences.

95
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
GamingTrendArticle

Scythe is an engaging 1-5 player area control and economic game featuring asymmetrical factions and tight, escalating tension. While the movement can feel fiddly and hidden objectives are inconsistent, it remains a strategic and rewarding experience.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dog and Thimble, Hil GoldsteinVideo

This video offers a quick and positive review of the physical board game Scythe, highlighting it as an amazing 4X game and one of the best board games of 2016.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Immersion, Benjamin KocherArticle

Scythe delivers an exceptionally immersive alternate-history dieselpunk experience, praised for its gorgeous artwork, high-quality components, smooth gameplay, and engaging thematic depth across all player counts.

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