Doomtown: The Wild West CCG – Rules, Strategy & Instruction Guide

Introduction

Doomtown is a unique collectible card game that combines the strategy of deck-building with the unpredictability of poker. It’s set in the Weird West, an underrated but re-surging setting in my opinion – so expect a mix of cowboys, magic, and steampunk vibes. The game was originally released back in the ’90s but got a reboot in 2014 as Doomtown: Reloaded. Now, let’s talk about whether you can still get your hands on these cards. The good news is that Doomtown cards are still in print, thanks to a passionate community and dedicated publishers.

The game is all about control – controlling locations, that is. You’ll be playing as one of the factions vying for dominance in the town of Gomorra. Each faction has its own style and flavor, from lawdogs to outlaws, and even mystical shamans. You’ll need to use your dudes (that’s what we call characters in Doomtown) to take control of various buildings and areas in town, all while fending off your opponents’ moves.

But Doomtown isn’t just about brawling for control; it’s also about the poker hands you can make during shootouts and other key moments. That’s right, your ability to bluff and read your opponent can be just as important as the cards you’ve got in your deck. So, if you’re ready to sling some cards and take control of the town, let’s mosey on to the next section.

Rules for playing Doomtown

Playing Doomtown can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast. The game is played in turns, with each turn consisting of several phases. You start by drawing cards, then you can play cards from your hand to build up your posse and your town. You’ll use your dudes to control locations and challenge your opponents in shootouts. The aim is to have more control points than your opponent has influence points at the end of a turn. If you can do that, you win!

But there’s a twist – the poker hands. During shootouts and other key moments, you’ll draw cards to form a poker hand. The better your hand, the better your chances of winning the encounter. But be careful, as cheating can lead to some serious consequences if your opponent calls you out on it.

There are also several types of cards you’ll need to know about, like dudes, deeds, goods, spells, and actions. Each plays a crucial role in your strategy. And don’t forget about ghost rock – that’s the currency in Doomtown, and you’ll need it to play your cards.

Card Types

In Doomtown, you’ve got several types of cards to work with:

1. Dudes: These are your characters, the folks who do your bidding and help you control the town.
2. Deeds: These are the locations in town you’ll want to control. They also provide income.
3. Goods: These are items you can equip to your dudes to give them an edge.
4. Spells: If you’re into the mystical side of things, spells can give you powerful abilities.
5. Actions: These are one-time effects that can turn the tide of the game.

When you’re starting out, you might want to grab a starter set. These pre-built decks are designed to give you a taste of the game and help you learn the ropes.

How to Play Doomtown and Game Mechanics

Here’s a rundown of how a game of Doomtown goes:

1. Setup: Each player chooses a faction and sets up their starting posse and home base.
2. Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards, playing cards, moving dudes around, and getting into shootouts.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when one player has more control points than their opponent has influence points at the end of a turn.

Key game mechanics include booting (tapping) your cards to use them, calling out opponents for shootouts, and using poker hands to determine the outcomes of those shootouts.

How to Win at Doomtown

Winning at Doomtown requires a mix of good deck-building, smart play, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips:

1. Balance your deck with a mix of dudes, deeds, and actions.
2. Keep an eye on your influence and control points.
3. Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves and counter them.
4. Use your poker skills to win shootouts and other key moments.

Remember, it’s not just about having the strongest dudes; it’s about using them wisely to control the town.

Best Strategies for playing Doomtown game

When it comes to strategy, there’s a lot to consider in Doomtown. Here are some of the best ways to come out on top:

• Control the economy by taking over deeds with high income.
• Use your home base’s ability to your advantage.
• Build a deck that complements your play style – aggressive, defensive, or somewhere in between.
• Don’t be afraid to bluff in poker hands, but be ready for the consequences if you get caught cheating.

Sneaky tactics can also pay off. For example, you might pretend to be weak to lure your opponent into a trap. Or you could spread your influence across the town to make it harder for your opponent to take control.

Deck Building and Best Cards in Doomtown

Building a strong deck is crucial in Doomtown. You’ll want a good mix of cards that allow you to control the board, win shootouts, and manage your ghost rock. Here are some general tips:

• Include a variety of dudes with different costs and abilities.
• Make sure you have enough deeds to generate income.
• Pick actions that can disrupt your opponent’s plans or protect your own dudes.

Best Cards in Doomtown

While the “best” cards can depend on your strategy, here are a few that are widely considered powerful:

• Steven Wiles: A dude with a strong ability that can turn the tide of a shootout.
• Sun in Yer Eyes: An action that can weaken an opponent’s dude during a shootout.
• Phantom Fingers: A spell that allows you to mess with your opponent’s goods.

Scenarios

In Doomtown, you’ll face all sorts of scenarios. Maybe you’re ahead in control points but low on influence, or perhaps you’re facing down a posse that’s much stronger than yours. Here’s how to handle these situations:

• If you’re ahead, focus on protecting your dudes and maintaining control.
• If you’re behind, look for opportunities to disrupt your opponent’s strategy and make a comeback.
• In a tough shootout, consider sacrificing a less important dude to save your more valuable ones.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Doomtown game

Got questions? Here are some common ones:

Q: How many cards can I draw each turn?
A: You draw up to your hand size limit at the start of your turn.

Q: Can I play multiple dudes in one turn?
A: Yes, as long as you can afford the ghost rock cost.

Q: What happens if I cheat in a poker hand?
A: If your opponent has a card that calls out cheaters, you could face penalties like losing the shootout.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Pay attention to the suits and values of cards in your deck for better poker hands.
• Don’t overextend – it’s tempting to play all your cards, but you might need some ghost rock for surprises.
• Learn from each game. Doomtown has a lot of depth, so every game is a chance to improve.

External Links

If you’re interested in the lore behind Doomtown or want to dive deeper into the Weird West setting, check out the Deadlands role-playing game, which shares the same universe. It’s a great way to expand your experience beyond the card game!

Doomtown CCG unboxing and video review [Video]