A highly asymmetrical duel wargame

⚔️Ironwood is the newest game from @mindclash_games and is actually part of the new ‘Mindclash Play’ series as it is a lot less complex than their big box euros tend to be. In this tactical duel game you can choose to either lead the 🌳Woodwalkers or the 🔩Ironclad in a struggle to gain control of the mystical Larimor Crystals that grow in the area. There is lots of strategic card play and asymmetry!

The first obvious difference between the factions are the game components themselves: the warriors and totems of the Woodwalkers are fittingly made of wood, while the industrious Ironclad’s golems, forges and drill are all made of metal. The components are extraordinary, I think the pictures don’t do them enough justice. 🤩

Of course the asymmetry doesn’t end there. 😉 The map is made up of mountains and forest regions between them. The Woodwalkers will only move around in the dense forests, while the Ironclad dwell in the mountains. Movement rules also differ, as the Woodwalkers can nimbly move individual units to gather or spread out as needed, while the Ironclad will only move whole warbands.

Then you have the distinct objectives for the factions: 🧐 one is trying to claim 3 Totems from places that they see in their visions, while the other has to construct 3 Forges - both of which are done in different ways.

I really like how the theme comes alive. 😊 The Woodwalkers have a deck of vision cards: 🔮 not many actions let you draw or play these, so whatever visions you get, you have to focus on, which involves getting rid of the Ironclad in particular mountains. Even if you claim a Totem, you still have to take it to safety to the borders of the map. 

The Ironclad have to “just” build 3 Forges by placing down Foundations and upgrading them. For that they need a lot of crystals though (which is the currency of the game). They do have a huge Drill that they can move around and mine crystals - they have to be careful though as it can be plundered if left unprotected, before it gets unloaded in the safety of forges.

Both the action selection and combat involve the unique decks of action cards - but more on that later. 😉