The Seasons board game is a strategic card-drafting and dice-rolling game for 2 to 4 players, designed by Régis Bonnessée and published by Libellud in 2012. In it, players are magicians competing over three years (12 rounds) to accumulate the most victory points by summoning elemental cards and managing their energy dice.
Background and Theme
Seasons takes place in the world of Argos, where the great magician Arus has died and left his powers to be claimed by the next generation. Players take on the roles of apprentice magicians who must prove their mastery by gathering magical crystals, summoning familiars, and casting powerful spells. The game’s art, by Xavier Collette, is whimsical and colorful, evoking a storybook fantasy feel. The original release was a hit in the board gaming community, praised for its blend of drafting, resource management, and tactical dice play. It has since been reprinted and expanded, and remains a popular mid-weight Eurogame for hobbyists.
How the Game Works
Seasons is played in two phases: the drafting phase and the game phase. At the start, each player receives a hand of nine cards (from a deck of 50 unique cards). They draft these cards one at a time, choosing which to keep and which to pass on. Each player ends up with nine cards, from which they build a personal deck of seven cards (the remaining two are discarded). These cards represent spells, familiars, and items that will be played during the game.
The game itself lasts 12 rounds, divided into three “years” of four rounds each. At the beginning of each round, players roll a set of six dice, each showing different energy symbols (Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Moon, and Sun). Players take turns choosing one die to gain the corresponding energy token. Energy is used to summon cards from hand onto the table, and each card has a cost in specific energy types. Once in play, cards provide ongoing effects, one-time bonuses, or victory points at the end of the game. Players may also use energy to activate certain card abilities or to “crystallize” (convert energy into permanent victory points).
The game ends after the 12th round. Players tally victory points from cards in play, crystals, and any end-game bonuses. The player with the most points wins.
Key Components and Mechanics
The game’s core mechanics are card drafting, dice drafting, and engine building. The drafting phase is crucial because it determines your strategy for the entire game. Cards are divided into three “families” (fire, water, earth, air, moon, sun) and each has a unique cost and effect. Some cards are powerful but expensive, while others are cheap and provide early advantages. The dice drafting adds a layer of randomness, but the ability to choose which die to take mitigates luck. The game also includes a “prestige” track that tracks players’ scores, and a “year marker” that tracks the passage of time, triggering special events at the start of each year (e.g., the “Year of the Dragon” gives all players an extra energy).
Expansions and Variants
Seasons has two major expansions: Enchanted Kingdom (2013) and Path of Destiny (2014). Each expansion adds new cards, new familiars, and new mechanics. Enchanted Kingdom introduces “familiar” cards that can be placed on a separate board to grant ongoing abilities. Path of Destiny adds a “destiny” track that gives players bonuses based on their choices. There is also a promotional card set and a 10th-anniversary edition that includes all expansions and upgraded components. For players who want a shorter game, there is an official “fast” variant that reduces the number of rounds to 8.
Choosing the Right Version
If you are new to Seasons, the base game is sufficient. It offers a complete experience with a good variety of cards. The expansions add complexity and replayability, but they are not necessary for your first few games. The 10th-anniversary edition is ideal for fans who want everything in one box, but it is more expensive. If you are on a budget, look for a used copy of the base game. Also note that the game is language-dependent, so make sure you get a version in a language you understand.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Seasons is a purely luck-based game because of the dice. In reality, the drafting phase is highly strategic, and the dice drafting allows players to mitigate bad rolls. Another question players often ask is whether the game is good with two players. Yes, it works well with two, but the drafting phase is slightly different (you draft from a smaller pool). Some players find the game’s iconography confusing at first, but the rulebook includes a clear reference. Also, the game’s playtime is about 60-90 minutes, which is moderate for a strategy game.
Cost and Availability
The retail price for the base game is typically around $40-50 USD, though prices vary by region and retailer. The expansions cost about $20-30 each. The 10th-anniversary edition is around $70-80. You can find Seasons at most hobby game stores, online retailers like Amazon, and on secondhand markets like BoardGameGeek’s marketplace or eBay. It is also available in many languages.
Alternatives and Similar Games
If you enjoy the drafting and engine-building aspects of Seasons, you might also like 7 Wonders (a pure drafting game), Lords of Waterdeep (worker placement with quests), or Castles of Burgundy (dice-driven strategy). If you like the dice mechanic, Kingsburg or Alien Frontiers are good options. For a heavier game, Terraforming Mars offers a deeper engine-building experience. These games all share the element of strategic planning and resource management.
Safety and Care
Seasons is a tabletop game with small components (cards, dice, tokens). It is not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazards. For older children and adults, there are no safety concerns. To keep the game in good condition, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for long periods. The cards can be sleeved to protect them from wear. The dice are standard plastic and safe to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game of Seasons take?
A typical game lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and how familiar they are with the cards. With new players, it may take longer as they read and understand the cards.
Can Seasons be played with 2 players?
Yes, the game is designed for 2 to 4 players. With 2 players, the drafting phase uses a special “dummy” player to simulate a third drafter, which works well but takes a bit of getting used to.
Is Seasons a good game for beginners?
It is a mid-weight game, so it may be overwhelming for complete beginners to board games. However, if you have some experience with strategy games, the rules are not too complex. The drafting phase is the most challenging part to learn.
What is the difference between the base game and the 10th-anniversary edition?
The 10th-anniversary edition includes the base game and both expansions in one box, along with upgraded components like metal coins and a larger board. It also includes all promotional cards. If you already own the base game, you can buy the expansions separately.
Do I need to play the base game before the expansions?
It is recommended to play the base game a few times before adding expansions, as they introduce new mechanics and more cards. However, if you are comfortable with the base game, you can mix expansions in for more variety.
Are there any online versions of Seasons?
Yes, Seasons is available on Board Game Arena (BGA) as a premium game, and there is also a digital app for iOS and Android. These are great ways to try the game before buying a physical copy.
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