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This is Game Theory — Tapestry

Overview
• Tapestry is a civilization-building game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games in 2019
• Two-hour epic for 1-5 players where you guide a civilization from dawn of humankind into the future
• Not a historical simulation—your civilization will be completely unique
• Paths you choose will diverge wildly from real-world events

Core Mechanics
• Four advancement tracks: science, technology, exploration, and military
• Start from nothing and advance on tracks to earn progressively better benefits
• Can laser-focus on one track or take balanced approach
• No single correct strategy—makes Tapestry highly replayable
• Each turn, choose to advance on one of four tracks
• As you move up track, unlock benefits like resources, income, victory points, or special abilities
• Higher you climb, more powerful the rewards
• Advancing costs resources—must manage income carefully to keep progressing

Capital City Building
• Build capital city on personal 3D board
• Place buildings like farms, markets, and landmarks to create unique cityscape
• Buildings provide bonuses when placed
• Certain configurations unlock additional victory points
• Spatial puzzle that rewards planning and creativity
• Production quality is top-tier: 3D capital city boards, miniatures, art

Asymmetric Civilizations
• Every player starts with unique civilization card giving special ability
• Some civilizations are aggressive, some scientific, some explorers
• Abilities drastically change how you approach the game
• One civilization might let you advance on military track for free
• Another might give bonus resources when building in capital city
• Asymmetry is significant and forces you to adapt strategy every game
• Keeps every game fresh—never playing same strategy twice

Tapestry Cards
• Earned as you advance
• Represent story of your civilization
• Provide immediate benefits and ongoing bonuses
• Some give resources, others let you manipulate advancement tracks or score extra victory points
• Powerful—timing when to play them is crucial

Income Turns
• Game structured around income turns
• When you run out of resources, take income turn
• Collect resources based on income level, which you improve throughout game
• Score victory points based on capital city and other achievements
• Income turns are chance to reset and plan next moves
• Game ends after five income turns
• Whoever has most victory points wins

Strategic Depth
• Game of choices—every decision matters
• Push hard on one track to unlock powerful benefits early? Or spread advances across multiple tracks?
• Invest in capital city for long-term points? Or focus on tapestry cards for immediate power?
• Rewards creativity and strategic thinking

Criticisms
• Some civilizations stronger than others—balance has been point of contention
• Steep learning curve—rulebook is dense
• First game will feel overwhelming, but once you understand systems, it clicks
• Scales differently depending on player count
• Excellent at two players and solo
• At higher player counts, downtime can be issue and map becomes more crowded
• Heavy, long, and unforgiving if you make mistakes

Expansions
• Plans and Ploys: adds new civilizations, tapestry cards, and landmark miniatures
• Arts and Architecture: introduces new track focused on culture and art
• Both expansions add depth without overwhelming base game

Final Thoughts
• Bold, ambitious game
• Not historical simulation and doesn't try to be
• Sandbox where you build civilization your way
• Asymmetry, spatial puzzle of capital city, four advancement tracks all come together
• Perfect for fans of engine-building games, asymmetric powers, and stunning table presence
• If willing to invest time to learn it, Tapestry delivers unique experience

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