How to Play Kemet

Introduction

Kemet is a strategy board game for 2-5 players that’ll transport you to the land of ancient Egypt, where you’ll lead powerful armies and wage epic battles for control of the kingdom. It has won numerous awards and has been widely praised for its immersive gameplay, stunning artwork, and strategic depth. If you’re new to the game, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

How to Play Kemet Step by Step

Understanding the Basics

1. Setting Up: Kemet is played on a modular board that’s made up of square tiles. Each player chooses a faction and places their army’s iconic miniatures on the Temple of Horus, located at the center of the board. They also receive a set of cards, which include Pyramids, Monuments, and Technology advancements, as well as Divine Favor tokens and other components.

2. Dividing up the Roles: At the start of each round, players take turns selecting one of the five Roles available. These Roles grant special abilities and bonuses, such as moving your army further, earning Divine Favor, or improving your combat effectiveness.

Gameplay Overview

Each round of Kemet consists of several phases:

1. Bidding for Roles: Players take turns bidding Victory Points (VPs) to claim the Role of their choice. The highest bidder wins the Role and activates its special ability.

2. Movement and Expansion: Players move their armies around the board and expand their territory by placing their pyramids and monuments on unoccupied tiles. Controlling these structures provides various benefits, including increased income and divine favor.

3. Battle Phase: When two armies occupy the same tile, they engage in battle. Battles are resolved by rolling custom dice and comparing the results. The winner gains victory points and may gain control of the contested tile.

4. Divine Favor: Divine Favor is a resource that allows players to activate special abilities, purchase technology advancements, and secure powerful artifacts. You can earn Divine Favor by capturing sanctuaries, donating VPs, or performing certain actions.

Tips for Success

1. Plan Ahead: Kemet is a game of strategy and foresight. You need to plan ahead and consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Think about where you want to expand, which roles you want to claim, and how you’re going to manage your resources.

2. Focus on Pyramid Control: Pyramids are the key to victory in Kemet. They provide you with VPs, allow you to recruit more troops, and grant special abilities. Prioritize capturing and controlling pyramids whenever possible.

3. Take Advantage of the Divine Favor Track: The Divine Favor track is a powerful tool that can give you a significant edge in the game. Focus on earning Divine Favor early on and use it to secure strategic cards, gain powerful abilities, and dominate the battlefield.

4. Master the Art of Diplomacy: In Kemet, you can forge alliances, make deals, and backstab your opponents to achieve your goals. Diplomacy plays a big role in the game, so don’t be afraid to negotiate and make strategic alliances when it benefits you.