Staff Pick: Ahoy

If you enjoy board games that mix strategy, luck, and a dash of pirate flair, Ahoy by Leder Games is a title you should not miss. This dice placement game invites 2 to 4 players to compete as different factions, each with unique strengths, aiming to become the most famous on the seas.

Ahoy and Expansions at Mind Games Melbourne - 145 Swanston St

Why Should We Set Sail?

"Hoist the mainsail! Ahoy! is a lightly asymmetric, swashbuckling, dice placement adventure that supports 2-4 players, although I’ve found that it works best with 3 or 4. Players are trying to become the most famous faction by either controlling the most islands or smuggling the most cargo.

What I love about this game is how insanely re-playable it is! With three different factions, each having their own playstyle, there’s loads of room to fine-tune a faction and then learn another one to keep things fresh. Additionally, the tiled map is expanded through exploration, so no two archipelagos will be the same! Combine this with the almost absurd amount of available crewmates to recruit, and this game is amazing bang for your buck.

I really appreciate being able to choose between strategies based on which faction I’m playing or by the crew that I recruit to my ships! The Bluefin Squadron tends to prefer a bolder and aggressive playstyle, while the Mollusk Union are great at slipping into places and getting out of fights. My personal favourite is one of the two abilities-heavy and crew-focused Smugglers, delivering cargo and increasing the wealth of the islands that the other players are vying for control over!

All in all, it's a dice rolling game of fame, great for fans of Machi Koro and a fantastic next step from something like Flamecraft or Zombie Kidz!" - Sam, swashbuckling shipmate.

Unique Factions and Expansions

Ahoy offers three distinct factions, each with its own playstyle. This asymmetric design means players can choose a faction that fits their preferred approach or try different ones to keep the game interesting.

• Bluefin Squadron: A company of sharks and their toothy friends, who keep order with shot and sword.

• Mollusk Union: An alliance of undersea creatures and their loyal comrades, who fight to reclaim their home.

• Smugglers: Maverick captains who run blockades to deliver cargo to those with the most need - or coin.

There are also two expansions available for Ahoy that add even more content and factions: Ahoy: Fang & Fortune, featuring the Leviathan and the Coral Cap Pirates, and Ahoy: Rivals & Renegades, featuring the Blackfish Brigade and the Shellfire Rebellion.

Setting Sail on Your Next Game Night

Gather your friends, pick your faction, and prepare to explore. With so many ways to play and win, Ahoy promises hours of engaging gameplay and memorable moments. Ready to hoist the mainsail and claim your place as the most famous faction? The adventure awaits at Mind Games Melbourne - 145 Swanston Street.