Mastering the Mystical World of Bonfire: A Guide to Strategy and Gameplay

Introduction

Bonfire is a tile-based strategy game that’s all about planning and decision-making. It was created by Stefan Feld (creator of Amerigo and La Isla, which I’ve written guides on previously). It was released in 2020.

The game is set in a mystical world where once great bonfires have gone out, and it’s up to the players, as guardians of light, to restore them. The goal is to score points by completing tasks, sending out novices, collecting resources, and lighting bonfires. It’s a game for 1 to 4 players and usually takes about 70 to 100 minutes to play.

Now, let’s dive into the magical world of Bonfire and get you up to speed on how to play and win!

Rules for playing Bonfire

Understanding the rules is key to enjoying any game, and Bonfire is no exception. The game is played over a series of turns where players will perform actions to gather resources, move their ships, and complete tasks. Each player has a personal board that represents their city, and there’s a main board where most of the interaction happens.

Players start with a set of action tiles that they will use to perform actions. These tiles are placed on a path, and the type of action you can perform depends on the tile you choose. You’ll be collecting resources like wood, roots, and fruits, which are needed to complete tasks and light the bonfires.

Tasks are represented by tiles that you’ll collect and place on your board. Completing these tasks involves meeting certain conditions, like having specific guardians or novices in your city. Lighting bonfires is the main way to score points, and you do this by fulfilling the requirements on the task tiles.

There are also portals that you can open to connect paths on your board, making it easier to move your guardians and novices around. The game ends when a certain number of bonfires have been lit or when the pile of action tiles runs out. Then, players tally up their points from bonfires, tasks, and other achievements to see who wins.

Equipment and Setup for Bonfire

Before you start playing Bonfire, you’ll need the game box which includes a bunch of stuff. You’ve got a main board, personal boards for each player, action tiles, resource tokens, guardians, novices, ships, bonfire tiles, task tiles, portal tiles, and some other bits and pieces.

Setting up the game involves placing the main board in the center of the table and giving each player a personal board. You’ll then shuffle and place the tiles and tokens in their respective spots on the main board. Each player gets a ship, some guardians, novices, and a starting set of action tiles. Once everything’s in place, you’re ready to start the game.

How to Play Bonfire and Game Mechanics

Playing Bonfire involves a few key mechanics:

1. Choosing Actions: You’ll pick an action tile from your path to perform an action like gathering resources or moving your ship.
2. Completing Tasks: You’ll work to complete task tiles by meeting their conditions, which often involve using resources.
3. Lighting Bonfires: Once you complete a task, you can light a bonfire on your board for points.
4. End of the Game: The game ends when the action tiles run out or enough bonfires are lit. Players then count their points to determine the winner.

During your turn, you can also open portals, send out novices, and use the special abilities of guardians. There’s a lot to think about, but once you get the hang of it, it all flows together nicely.

How to Win at Bonfire

Winning is all about strategy. You’ll want to start by focusing on tasks that you can complete quickly to get some early bonfires lit. Pay attention to the resources you have and plan your actions to gather what you need efficiently.

It’s also important to keep an eye on the other players. If you notice someone is close to completing a task, you might want to speed up your own plans or even try to block them if possible. Remember, every point counts!

As you get more experienced, you’ll learn to combine actions and plan several turns ahead. This foresight can give you a big advantage, especially in the later stages of the game.

Best Strategies for playing Bonfire game

Here are some top strategies for playing Bonfire:

• Plan your moves in advance and try to set up chains of actions that complement each other.
• Keep a balanced approach to collecting resources, completing tasks, and lighting bonfires.
• Watch the other players and adapt your strategy to stay competitive.
• Use guardians and novices effectively to maximize their abilities and benefits.

And don’t forget about those sneaky tactics! Sometimes, you might want to take an action just to prevent someone else from getting it, even if it’s not the best move for you at the moment. It’s all part of the game!

Scenarios

Let’s talk about some scenarios you might find yourself in:

If you’re running low on resources and can’t complete tasks, focus on actions that let you gather more. If you’re blocked from an action you really need, look for alternative ways to achieve your goal, like using a different action tile or a guardian’s ability.

When you’re ahead, try to maintain your lead by completing high-point tasks and lighting bonfires. If you’re behind, look for big moves that can give you a lot of points quickly, like completing multiple tasks in one turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers:

Q: How many players can play Bonfire?

A: Bonfire is designed for 1 to 4 players.

Q: How long does a game of Bonfire usually take?

A: It typically takes about 70 to 100 minutes to play.

Q: Can I play Bonfire solo?

A: Yes, there are rules for a solo version of the game.

Q: What’s the best way to learn Bonfire?

A: Start by reading the rulebook, then play a few practice rounds to get familiar with the game mechanics.

Q: Is Bonfire a good game for beginners?

A: It can be a bit complex for complete beginners, but if you’re up for a challenge, go for it!

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are a few more things to keep in mind:

• Don’t forget about the endgame scoring. Some achievements can give you a lot of points at the end of the game.
• Try to be flexible with your strategy. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up.
• Remember that Bonfire is a game of efficiency. The fewer moves you take to achieve your goals, the better.

External Links

• Official Bonfire Rulebook [EN/PDF]
• Publisher’s Bonfire Page