Skyward cover
2017BGG rank #6,906

Skyward

by Brendan Evans · Rule & Make

Browsing is free. Ask BoardGameBrain about this game when rules coverage is ready.

Players2–4
Time30–45m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age12+

About the game

What is Skyward?

Skyward is a strategy card drafting game of control versus opportunity for 2-4 players. After generations of turmoil, the four factions have finally put their differences aside to work together for a better tomorrow. As a commitment to this alliance, the world’s first airborne city, named Skyward, is to be built above the intersecting borders of the four realms. Tasked with building this new city, you and other cultural luminaries vie for control by becoming the Warden, and ultimately declared “Founder of Skyward”. In Skyward, the Warden deals cards from the central deck and splits them into piles however they see fit. Each player chooses a pile, providing them with buildings and resources. However, being the Warden is a double edged sword. While you wield the power of the split, everyone else gets to choose first, leaving you with the remaining pile. Skyward is played over several rounds. Each round starts with The Split, followed by individual player turns. The goal of the game is to launch a combination of buildings that yield the most Victory Points. The end game is triggered when any player launches their 6th building or the central deck is emptied. Complete the current round as you would normally, then complete one final split. The player with the most Victory Points wins the game.

How it plays

Mechanics

Hand ManagementI Cut, You ChooseOpen DraftingSet Collection

On the shelf

Categories

Card Game

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Skyward?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?