Arena: The Contest

After the collapse of the ancient civilization, the Land of Tanares became a battleground between heroes and monsters, where only the bravest survive. Thus was born the Arena, a place where conflicts are resolved without the interference of the gods. Here, the participants fight tactical battles, each with their own goal: victory. **Arena: The Contest** is a board game that mixes strategy and intense turn-based action, offering an experience rich in adventure and excitement. With 12 unique heroes available, each bringing special abilities - from warrior to mystic - the choice of characters is a crucial step for your team's success. The game includes 32 impressive miniatures and a modular setting, allowing you to create different battle environments. This ensures that no match is ever the same and that there are always new challenges ahead. There are three game modes: - **Team competition**: form your team and take on opponents in arenas full of traps and obstacles, such as lava and walls that alter the dynamics of combat. - Cooperative**: team up with three other heroes and take on risky missions, uncovering the mysteries surrounding Tanares' glorious past. - Epic Campaign**: play in continuous sessions where your heroes gain experience and evolve as they challenge increasing difficulty scores. The flexibility of the game adapts to different player styles, with sessions lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. Although it may seem complex at first, Arena: The Contest is designed with accessible rules and a practical guide that facilitates instant immersion. Gather your friends, choose the most powerful heroes and immerse yourself in a world where the only certainty is battle in the Arena!

Age 14 + 90 min 1 to 8 players

Artists: Guilherme Batista;

Designers: Alexandre Aboud; Danilo de Alcantara

Date: 2019

Note: 8.1

Mechanics: Fitting Parts, Cooperative, Elimination of players, Players with Different Skills, Movement in Grids, Point-to-point movement, Programmed Movement, Data Scrolling

Topics: Adventure, Fantasy, Medieval

Table of Contents
- How to Play
- Tips for playing
- Game mechanics
- Game components
- Additional Information

How to play Arena: The Contest

To start playing Arena: The Contest, gather two to eight friends and choose a game mode - cooperative or competitive. Each player selects a hero, taking into account their unique abilities and elemental affinities. This can make a big difference to the strategy adopted during the match.

Set up the board according to your chosen scenario. Keep components such as equipment cards, damage tokens and life counters organized. That way, you'll be prepared to face any challenge effectively.

When you start your turn, follow the initiative order and activate your hero. Use your skills wisely and keep an eye out for enemy weaknesses. In cooperative mode, plan your actions together with your allies to maximize each character's potential.

Test your limits in exciting missions where communication and teamwork are essential for success. In competitive mode, strategy is even more crucial, as you'll be going head-to-head with your friends' heroes. Reading your opponent's intentions can be the key to victory.

Try out different combinations of heroes and strategies to find out which style of play works best for you and your group. This experimentation makes each session unique and can lead to some epic stories in the world of Arena: The Contest.

Main objective

In "Arena: The Contest", the main objective is to lead a group of heroes on strategic and challenging missions, defeating opponents and overcoming obstacles to achieve glory. The heart of the game lies in the collaboration and tactical decisions that shape the players' journey as they face formidable monsters and explore dangerous locations. Personally, I remember an intense match where our group almost succumbed to a ferocious dragon, but thanks to a well-calculated strategy and a dose of luck, we managed to turn the tables and claim victory. So, the essence of the experience in "Arena: The Contest" is about living epic and emotionally engaging stories.

Tips for playing Arena: The Contest

Here are some tips for doing better in the game Arena: The Contest:

  • Try out different heroes to find the best fit for your style of play.
  • Communicate with your team constantly to formulate effective strategies.
  • Keep a balance between attack and defense; don't get too adventurous.
  • Use the terrain to your advantage: an elevated position can offer strategic advantages.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of items; choose wisely to strengthen your hero.
  • Learn from each defeat; identify mistakes and avoid repeating them in future games.
  • Explore all the heroes' abilities to maximize your team's potential.
  • Watch your opponents' movements to anticipate their actions.
  • Customize your team based on your opponents' weaknesses.
  • Stay focused on the main objective of the game to execute the best possible strategy.

Video about the game

Mechanics of Arena: The Contest

  • Programmed Movement - In Arena: The Contest, each player plans their actions in advance. This mechanic allows players to structure their tactics in advance, adding a layer of strategy and anticipation to their opponents' moves. By programming their moves, the player must predict the actions of their enemies, creating a game of anticipation and strategy.
  • Placing Parts - This game uses piece placement mechanics to define positions and influence the battlefield. Players must place their miniatures strategically on the board to gain a tactical advantage. Placement at the start and during the game is crucial to controlling board space and blocking opponent moves.
  • Cooperative - Arena: The Contest allows players to work together against common enemies. In this cooperative experience, communication and joint planning are essential, where each hero's unique skills must be combined to face challenges. Playing cooperatively requires group discussion and strategy formation.
  • Elimination of Players - This game element can lead to players leaving before the end of the game if their heroes are defeated. Elimination adds tension and urgency, forcing players to think critically about their actions. Keeping your heroes alive while eliminating opponents is a delicate balance that must be preserved.
  • Players with Different Skills - Each player controls heroes with unique abilities. These different abilities allow for different approaches and styles of play, forcing participants to adapt their strategies. It's vital to know each character's strengths and weaknesses in order to maximize their potential on the battlefield.
  • Movement in Grids - The board is divided into grids, allowing for precise and calculated moves. This system requires players to carefully consider each move, as in a miniature chess game. Moving on grids encourages analysis of the terrain and exploration of tactical angles.
  • Point-to-Point Movement - In addition to grids, there are scenarios in which movement is determined by points. This flexibility offers different strategic options and can change the dynamics of combat, requiring players to adapt their reading of the board according to the situation.
  • Data Scrolling - The element of luck is introduced through the rolling of dice, influencing the outcome of combats and other actions within the game. The unpredictability of the dice requires players to be ready to adapt their strategies at any time. The intelligent use of modifiers can minimize risks and maximize the results of the roll.

Game components Arena: The Contest

See all the items in the game below Arena: The Contest:

  • 32 miniatures
  • 60 game pieces
  • 20 character cards (heroes and villains)
  • 294 various letters
  • 2 D20 dice
  • 12 colored rings
  • 1 board map
  • 3 game manuals
  • 2 consultation cards
  • 1 quick rules guide

Additional Information

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