Destinies: Strategies, Rules, and Tips to Win

Introduction

Destinies is a competitive, story-driven, tile-based board game. It’s a mix of role-playing and strategy, where each player has a unique character with their own destiny to fulfill. The game was created by Michał Gołębiowski and Filip Miłuński and published by Lucky Duck Games.

It’s set in a medieval fantasy world, a setting which I find often cements an interesting board game. It’s one where players explore, interact with characters, and complete quests to progress their stories. The game, like a lot of modern board games, uses an app to guide the narrative and manage the game’s many variables. Since its release, Destinies has gained a following for its immersive gameplay and innovative use of technology in board gaming.

For some similar, medieval-themed tile/board games, I recommend checking out Heaven & Ale and The Builders: Middle Ages, which I’ve written guides about before.

Rules for playing Destinies

Understanding the rules of Destinies is crucial to enjoy the game. Each player chooses a character with a unique backstory and two possible destinies. The game unfolds on a map built from tiles, revealing different locations as players explore. You’ll encounter items, secrets, and challenges that you can interact with using the app.

The game is played over a series of rounds, with each player taking turns to perform actions such as moving, exploring, or interacting with the app. The core mechanic involves rolling dice to complete skill tests, with the app telling you if you’ve succeeded or failed.

Your character will grow stronger by gaining experience points, which can be used to improve skills or influence the story. The game ends when a player fulfills one of their destinies, triggering the final phase where other players have a last chance to complete their own destinies.

Equipment and Setup for Destinies

Before you start playing Destinies, you’ll need the game box, which includes character cards, skill dice, item cards, and various tiles representing different locations. You’ll also need a smartphone or tablet with the Destinies app installed, which I’ve linked below.

To set up the game, lay out the starting tiles and place your character figures on the starting location. Shuffle the item cards and place them nearby. Each player gets skill dice and a character card, which shows their skills and inventory. The app will guide you through the rest of the setup, including the initial story setup and any additional tiles that need to be placed.

How to Play Destinies and Game Mechanics

1. Setup: Follow the app’s instructions to set up the game board and distribute initial items and objectives.
2. Gameplay: Players take turns to move, explore, and interact with the app to progress their character’s story.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when a player fulfills their destiny, triggering the final phase for other players.

How to Win at Destinies

To win at Destinies, you need to be the first to fulfill one of your character’s destinies. This involves completing specific objectives outlined by the app.

You’ll need to manage your resources, make strategic decisions, and sometimes take risks to progress your story.

Pay attention to the other players, as they can indirectly affect your game by interacting with the same characters or locations. Balancing the pursuit of your destiny with reacting to the evolving game board is key to victory.

Best Strategies for playing Destinies game

Winning at Destinies requires a mix of strategy and adaptability. Focus on improving your character’s skills that align with your destiny.

Use items wisely, as they can give you an edge in skill tests or unlock new paths. Don’t ignore side quests entirely, as they can provide valuable resources or information. Keep an eye on your opponents and try to anticipate their moves.

Sometimes, blocking their path or reaching a key location first can be as beneficial as progressing your own story.

Scenarios

In Destinies, you might find yourself in a tight spot, like failing an important skill test or running out of resources. When this happens, don’t panic. Look for alternative paths or trade with other players to get what you need. If you’re ahead, be cautious. Other players might try to hinder your progress. Stay flexible and be ready to change your strategy if the situation calls for it.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Destinies game

1. Q: How long does a game of Destinies last?
   A: A typical game lasts about 90 to 150 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game.
2. Q: Can I change my destiny during the game?
   A: No, once you’ve chosen your character’s destinies at the start, you must pursue one of them to win.
3. Q: Is the app necessary to play?
   A: Yes, the app is essential as it guides the story, tracks progress, and resolves skill tests.
4. Q: Can I play Destinies solo?
   A: Yes, Destinies can be played solo, with the app adjusting the gameplay accordingly.
5. Q: What happens if two players fulfill their destinies at the same time?
   A: The app will guide you through a tiebreaker scenario to determine the winner.

Additional Tips and Subtopics

When playing Destinies, remember to:

• Keep track of the story and clues provided by the app.
• Communicate with other players to form temporary alliances or gather information.
• Manage your time effectively; the game can end suddenly if someone fulfills their destiny.

External Links

For more information on Destinies, check out the official Lucky Duck Games website or look for tutorials and playthroughs on YouTube. Remember to download the latest version of the app before you start playing.

Lucky Duck Games

Destinies Board Game Mobile App on the Google Play Store

Destinies Board Game Mobile App on Apple’s App Store