How to Play Wildlands: Complete Guide & Strategy (2024)
This guide takes 15-20 minutes to read and teaches you how to play Wildlands step by step. For an in-depth review of the game, check out our Wildlands Epic Fantasy Skirmish Review.
Game Overview
| Game Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | 2-4 |
| Age | 14+ |
| Time | 30-60 min |
| Complexity | Medium |
| Game Type | Skirmish Miniatures |
Wildlands is a fantasy skirmish game where players control unique factions vying for power. Using cards for actions and dice for combat, you'll strategically move your characters to secure magical shards. If you enjoy adventure board games like The Quest for El Dorado, Wildlands offers a more confrontational experience.
The core objectives are to collect the most crystal shards to win, use faction powers effectively, and eliminate enemy characters.
Setup Instructions
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Map tiles | 10 | Creates modular game board |
| Character miniatures | 20 (5 per faction) | Your faction members |
| Action cards | 60 (15 per faction) | Determines possible moves |
| Dice | 10 (2 per player) | Used for combat rolls |
| Crystal shards | 20 | Victory points |
To set up the game, create the board by shuffling the map tiles facedown and arranging them in a 4×3 grid. Choose your faction and take the corresponding miniatures, cards, and dice. Place your characters on the starting spaces. Place two crystal shards on each tile, on the marked spots. Finally, draw your starting hand of three action cards.
How to Play
| Phase | What You Do | Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Choose action card | Different actions available |
| Main | Move and/or attack | Watch out for traps, attacks |
| End | Draw new action card | Keep your options open |
During your turn, you'll choose an action card to play. Movement points (red) let you move that many spaces, and you can move multiple characters. Attack points (blue) let you attack adjacent enemies by rolling dice equal to the points. Each 4+ is a hit, and characters are eliminated after receiving two hits.
For more board game strategies, check out this guide to winning at Ticket to Ride, another great family game.
Strategy Guide
| Phase | Do This | Avoid This | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Spread out | Grouping up | Cover more ground |
| Mid | Control shards | Fighting needlessly | Shards win the game |
| Late | Gang up on leader | 1v1 fights | Stop the leader |
Use terrain wisely by hiding in forests and taking the high ground. Coordinate your team by flanking enemies and combining your faction powers.
Player Count Strategies
| Player Count | Strategy Changes | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Players | More fighting | Board control |
| 3 Players | Temporary alliances | Shard denial |
| 4 Players | Chaotic board | Opportunistic attacks |
Adjust your strategy based on the number of players. In a 2-player game, focus on claiming territory early, contesting shards in the mid-game, and hunting the leader in the late game. With 3-4 players, stay flexible early on, secure key shards in the mid-game, and eliminate weakened foes late in the game.
Teaching Guide
| Step | Focus On | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | Moving & attacking | 10 min |
| Powers | Faction abilities | 5 min |
| Strategy | Scoring & tactics | 5 min |
When teaching Wildlands, start with the basics of moving and attacking. Then, explain the unique faction abilities. Finally, discuss scoring and tactics. Use the first round to focus on basic movement and attacking, and the second round to introduce action card powers and grabbing crystal shards.
Like Wildlands, Escape the Sinking Island: Forbidden Island Review is another great adventure game that teaches valuable skills.
Game Variations
| Version | Changes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shorter | Play to less shards | Quicker games |
| Larger | Use 5×3 tile layout | Epic feel, more players |
Role Guide
| Faction | Speciality | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lawbringers | Healing & defense | Great for new players |
| Pit Fighters | High attacks | Offensive powerhouse |
| Gnomads | Speed & mobility | Capture shards quickly |
| Gnarled | Ranged attacks | Harass from afar |
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Problem | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Getting ganged up on | Use cover, plan escapes | Don't get cornered |
| Running out of cards | Conserve movement | Efficiently use actions |
Visual References
Pro Tips
Count shard points often to plan your path to victory and block others from winning. Master your faction powers as they are key to victory and create exciting combos. Advanced concepts include hand management, leaving weaker characters as bait, and knowing when to retreat.
Common Questions (FAQ)
What if dice run out during a big combat?
If you find yourself without enough dice to resolve a large combat, simply re-roll the dice you've already used. This situation often arises after a particularly intense battle with multiple characters involved. To keep the game moving, gather up the dice that have already been rolled and roll them again as needed until the combat is fully resolved.
Can you give crystal shards to your allies?
No, you cannot give crystal shards to your allies. In Wildlands, it's every faction for themselves! Once you've collected a shard, it's yours to keep. Hold onto your hard-earned gains and don't let them fall into enemy hands. Remember, the goal is to have the most shards at the end of the game, so be strategic about which ones you go after and protect the ones you've already secured.
What happens if a character is knocked out?
If a character is knocked out during combat, they are removed from the game board and placed on their faction's sheet. They will respawn at the start of their faction's next turn, on any space adjacent to one of their faction's other characters. This means that even if you lose a character, they're not out of the game for good. However, be careful not to leave your remaining characters vulnerable while waiting for the knocked-out character to return.
Can you move through spaces occupied by other characters?
No, you cannot move through spaces occupied by other characters, whether they are allies or enemies. You must navigate around them or find an alternative route to your destination. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as you can use your characters to block your opponents' paths or protect key areas of the board. Keep this in mind when planning your moves and anticipating your enemies' actions.
Is there a limit to how many action cards you can have in your hand?
Yes, there is a hand limit of 5 action cards. If you already have 5 cards in your hand at the end of your turn, you do not draw a new card. This means that you'll need to carefully manage your hand, deciding when to play your cards for maximum impact and when to hold onto them for future turns. Keep an eye on your opponents' hands as well, as the number of cards they have can give you a clue about their plans and potential moves.
Can you play more than one action card per turn?
No, you can only play one action card per turn. This is why it's crucial to choose your actions wisely and make the most of each card you play. Consider your overall strategy and the current state of the board when deciding which card to use. Sometimes, it might be better to hold onto a powerful card for a future turn when it can have a greater impact, rather than playing it immediately.
What happens if there's a tie for the most crystal shards at the end of the game?
In the event of a tie for the most crystal shards at the end of the game, the tied player with the most characters remaining on the board is declared the winner. If there is still a tie, the victory is shared among the tied players. This rule encourages players to not only collect shards but also to protect their characters and strategically eliminate their opponents' characters throughout the game.
