How To Play: Kemet – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Quick Summary

Kemet is an intense and strategic board game set in ancient Egypt, where players compete to dominate the land and claim the throne. With its engaging gameplay, stunning components, and deep strategic mechanics, Kemet offers an immersive gaming experience. Make astute choices when selecting your faction, carefully manage your action points, and unleash powerful battle tactics to secure victory. By prioritizing temple control and power tile upgrades, you can gain significant advantages on your path to conquest. Strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making will be paramount as you navigate the dynamic game board and engage in epic battles. With endless replayability and multiple paths to victory, Kemet ensures a thrilling and unique experience with each playthrough. Immerse yourself in the rich world of Egyptian mythology as you face off against formidable opponents. Formulate your strategies, master the power of divine intervention cards, and seize the opportunities that present themselves. Only through careful planning, cunning tactics, and a tight grip on the temples will you emerge as the champion. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in an ancient land of wonder and power? Step into the ever-shifting sands of Kemet and show the world why you deserve to be the true ruler of ancient Egypt!

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive strategy guide for Kemet! Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking an edge or completely new to the game, this guide is your roadmap to conquering the world of ancient Egypt. Within these pages, you’ll find a thorough outline of the game rules and the most effective strategies for emerging as the ultimate victor.

Kemet is an intense and strategic board game that takes players on a journey to ancient Egypt, where gods, mythical creatures, and ancient armies clash in epic battles. As you immerse yourself in this world of mythology and power, you’ll need to utilize shrewd tactics, wise decision-making, and careful resource management to outwit and overpower your opponents.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential aspects of Kemet, beginning with a concise overview of the game rules to ensure you have a solid understanding of the mechanics. From there, we dive deep into the best strategies for dominating your adversaries and claiming victory in the game.

Whether you prefer a relentless offensive approach, cunning defensive maneuvers, or a balanced mix of both, this guide has you covered. We’ll cover faction selection, action point management, battle tactics, power tile strategies, temple control, and upgrades. This comprehensive overview will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make calculated decisions, exploit advantageous opportunities, and emerge as the undisputed ruler of ancient Egypt.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Kemet and shape the course of history in your favor? Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the path to triumph!

What’s in the box

  • 1 double-sided game board
  • 5 player boards
  • 3 small battle dials
  • 30 small battle tokens
  • 34 divine intervention cards
  • 56 power tiles
  • 48 plastic miniatures
  • 60 troops cards
  • 60 buildings cards
  • 7 special cards
  • 56 combat cards
  • 8 victory point tokens
  • 15 diagonal walls
  • 10 diagonal temples
  • 50 action tokens
  • 16 prayer tokens
  • 1 scoring track and marker
  • Rulebook

How To Play Kemet: Rules Summary

Objective of the Game

The objective of Kemet is to accumulate victory points and be declared the ruler of ancient Egypt. Victory points can be earned through various means, including controlling temples, winning battles, acquiring power tiles, and fulfilling faction-specific conditions.

Setup

  1. Assemble the game board and place the game components in their designated areas.
  2. Each player chooses a faction and takes the corresponding player board, miniatures, power tiles, and action tokens.
  3. Divine intervention cards, battle cards, and power tiles are shuffled separately and placed within reach.
  4. Each player sets their battle marker to zero on the scoring track.

Gameplay Flow

  1. The game is played over a series of rounds, each consisting of three phases: Day, Night, and New Dawn.
  2. During the Day phase, players alternate taking turns, spending action points to recruit troops, upgrade pyramids, research power tiles, and perform other actions.
  3. In the Night phase, battles occur between players, taking into account the presence of miniatures and the playing of combat cards.
  4. The New Dawn phase marks the end of the round, where players regain spent action points, resolve divine intervention cards, calculate victory points, and prepare for the next round.
  5. The game continues in this manner until a player reaches the predetermined victory point threshold, declaring the winner.

Actions and Battle

  1. During the Day phase, players spend action points to perform various actions, such as recruiting troops, upgrading pyramids, moving units, and initiating battles.
  2. Battles are resolved in the Night phase and involve placing troops on the battle card and secretly selecting combat cards to play.
  3. Players also have the option to use divine intervention cards during battles to manipulate the outcome of combat.
  4. Combat is determined by comparing the total battle points on the cards, adding the relevant power tiles, and considering other factors like unit abilities and bonuses from temples.

Temples, Power Tiles, and Upgrades

  1. Players can control temples by having the most units in a temple area at the end of a battle in that area.
  2. Temples provide bonuses and victory points.
  3. Power tiles are acquired through action points and provide various advantages, such as improved combat abilities, additional action points, or special abilities.
  4. Temples and pyramids can be upgraded to unlock more potent abilities and advantages.

These are the basic rules of Kemet to help you understand and get started with the game. Remember, as you dive deeper and play more, you’ll discover greater strategy and gameplay intricacies. Have fun exploring the world of ancient Egypt and conquering your opponents in Kemet!

Best Kemet Strategies

The Art of Faction Selection

Choosing the right faction in Kemet is a crucial step towards securing victory in the game. Each faction possesses unique abilities, playstyles, and strengths. Understanding the strengths and strategies of the available factions is vital for establishing a winning game plan.

Aggressive Domination: The Egyptians

  1. Exploit the advantage of cheaper pyramid upgrades.
  2. Focus on military superiority and territorial dominance.
  3. Utilize powerful creatures like the Sphinx to crush opponents.

Cunning Traps: The Greeks

  1. Exploit the intelligence advantage of accessing one extra divine intervention card.
  2. Focus on strategic maneuvering and setting up advantageous battles.
  3. Utilize phalanx-like units and mythological creatures to confuse and trap opponents.

Tactical Flexibility: The Asians

  1. Utilize the special action point bonus of setting up and upgrading red pyramids.
  2. Focus on adaptability and versatility in both defense and offense.
  3. Make use of the Asian’s unique war elephants for devastating attacks.

Mystical Dominance: The Egyptians

  1. Maximize the ability to purchase power tiles earlier and at a discount.
  2. Focus on strategic power tiles combos and divine intervention card manipulation.
  3. Master the art of magical supremacy through spells and magical creatures.

Choosing the right faction in Kemet establishes the foundation of your strategy. Whether you prefer aggressive dominant playstyles, trapping and outsmarting opponents, tactical flexibility, or mystical dominance, each faction offers a unique approach to securing victory. Consider the strengths and playstyles of each faction, and explore their distinct strategies to find the one that aligns with your gameplay preferences. Stay focused, adapt your tactics, and embrace the power of your chosen faction to claim the throne of Kemet.

Mastery of Action Point Management

Action points are a valuable resource in Kemet and managing them efficiently is crucial to optimize your gameplay. Carefully planning and utilizing your action points will give you a significant advantage over your opponents. Here are some key strategies to master action point management:

Prioritize and Allocate Wisely

  1. Identify your primary objectives and prioritize their execution.
  2. Allocate your action points strategically to address the most critical tasks.
  3. Consider the long-term impact of your choices to maximize their effectiveness.

Focus on Key Actions

  1. Concentrate on actions that reinforce your overall strategy.
  2. Invest action points in recruiting troops, upgrading pyramids, and gaining power tiles.
  3. Balance offensive and defensive maneuvers to maintain your position in the game.

Seize Opportunities Through Timing

  1. Monitor the board state and be ready to capitalize on favorable opportunities.
  2. Exploit weakened opponents or unprotected territories with well-timed actions.
  3. Use action points strategically during battle phases to gain an upper hand.

Plan for Future Rounds

  1. Consider the potential actions and resources you will need in future rounds.
  2. Save action points when possible to set up advantageous moves in upcoming turns.
  3. Anticipate how other players’ actions might affect your plans and adjust accordingly.

Efficient action point management is a key aspect of winning in Kemet. By prioritizing your actions, focusing on key objectives, seizing advantageous opportunities, and planning for future rounds, you can optimize your gameplay and gain an edge over your opponents. Develop your strategic mindset and make each action point count to claim victory and be crowned the ruler of ancient Egypt.

Mastering Battle Tactics

Engaging in battle is a critical aspect of dominating the battlefield and securing victory in Kemet. Understanding effective battle tactics and employing them strategically can turn the tide in your favor. Here are key strategies to master the art of battle in Kemet:

Plan Defensively:

  1. Assess your opponent’s strength and position to plan your defense accordingly.
  2. Place units strategically to create strong defensive formations.
  3. Utilize terrain advantages, such as obelisks and temple control, to bolster your defenses.

Strike with Precision:

  1. Identify weak points in your opponent’s defenses and target them relentlessly.
  2. Utilize the battle cards wisely, playing them strategically to gain an advantage.
  3. Coordinate attacks with allies to overwhelm opponents with combined strength.

Adapt and Counter:

  1. Analyze your opponent’s strategy and adapt your tactics accordingly.
  2. Anticipate and counter your opponent’s battle card choices with carefully chosen cards of your own.
  3. Utilize special abilities of your units and faction to gain strategic advantages in battles.

Know When to Retreat:

  1. Recognize when a battle is not in your favor and prioritize the preservation of your units.
  2. Strategically retreat to regroup and set up future strong counterattacks.
  3. Assess the long-term impact of battles and adjust your tactics to maximize your chances of victory.

Mastery of battle tactics in Kemet is crucial for achieving dominance on the battlefield. By planning defensively, striking with precision, adapting and countering, and knowing when to retreat, you can wield battles as a powerful tool to secure victory. Embrace the art of warfare in Kemet and pave the path to conquest in ancient Egypt.

Unleashing the Power of Power Tiles

Power tiles are key assets in Kemet that can significantly impact your gameplay and push you one step closer to victory. Understanding how to strategically acquire and utilize power tiles can give you a decisive edge over your opponents. Here are some essential power tile strategies to consider:

Prioritize Essential Upgrades

  1. Focus on acquiring power tiles that enhance your units’ abilities and combat effectiveness.
  2. Prioritize tile upgrades that offer bonuses to your preferred strategy or faction abilities.
  3. Think long-term and consider tiles that provide benefits throughout the game, such as extra action points or divine intervention cards.

Synergize Your Power Tiles

  1. Strategically select power tiles that synergize with each other for powerful combos.
  2. Look for tiles that amplify the strengths of your chosen faction or bolster weak areas of your strategy.
  3. Consider the action cost of activating power tiles and plan your actions accordingly.

Deny Others the Best Tiles

  1. Strategically deny opponents access to power tiles that synergize with their strategies.
  2. Block, contest, or control locations that offer critical power tiles.
  3. Utilize offensive actions to disrupt opponents’ power tile acquisition plans.

Timing is Key

  1. Take into account the timing of maximum tile activation during battles or key actions.
  2. Strategically acquire power tiles that complement your upcoming moves or objectives.
  3. Keep an eye on opponents’ tile acquisitions to adjust your strategy and deny potential synergies.

Mastering power tiles in Kemet is a pivotal aspect of victory. By prioritizing essential upgrades, building synergistic combinations, blocking opponents’ access, and considering timing, you can harness the power of power tiles to their full potential. Dare to unlock and wield their formidable influence as you march towards conquest in ancient Egypt.

Mastery of Temple Control and Upgrades

Controlling temples and upgrading them to their full potential is a strategic key to success in Kemet. Understanding the importance of temple control and utilizing upgrades wisely can give you a significant advantage in the game. Here are some crucial strategies to master temple control and upgrades:

Secure Key Temple Locations

  1. Identify the temples that provide significant advantages and prioritize their control.
  2. Strategically position your units to secure crucial temple locations on the game board.
  3. Utilize smart placement and reinforcement to maintain dominance over temples.

Upgrade for Greater Versatility

  1. Choose temple upgrades that offer strategic and versatile benefits.
  2. Prioritize upgrades that enhance your dominant playstyle or supplement your faction abilities.
  3. Consider the long-term implications of upgrading and plan your strategy accordingly.

Balance Defense and Offense

  1. Maintain a delicate balance between defending your temples and launching offensives.
  2. Determine when to invest actions and resources in defense or concentrate on seizing additional temples.
  3. Adjust your strategy based on the current game state and your opponents’ tactics.

Disrupt Opponents’ Temple Control

  1. Strategically target your opponent’s temples to disrupt their advantages and gain an upper hand.
  2. Utilize tactical maneuvering, battle cards, and unit placement to break opponents’ temple control.
  3. Think ahead and plan calculated strikes to maximize your impact on their temple control.

Mastery of temple control and upgrades in Kemet holds the key to victory. By securing key temple locations, upgrading wisely, balancing defense and offense, and disrupting opponents’ control, you can dominate the temples and tip the scales in your favor. Embrace the power of the temples and let them become pivotal stepping stones on your path to triumph in ancient Egypt.

Conquer Ancient Egypt with Strategic Mastery

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive strategy guide for Kemet. Armed with a deep understanding of the game rules, key strategies, and tactics, you are now well-equipped to dominate the world of ancient Egypt and claim the title of ruler.

By mastering the art of faction selection, action point management, battle tactics, power tile strategies, temple control, and upgrades, you have unlocked the secrets to achieve victory. Remember, Kemet is a game of cunning decision-making, calculated risk-taking, and adaptive strategies.

As you embark on your Kemet journeys, embrace the magic of the Egyptian gods and tap into the vast powers of mythical creatures. Lead your armies fearlessly, wage epic battles, and strategically control the temples to solidify your reign.

Now, gather your troops, sharpen your mind, and traverse the mystical lands of ancient Egypt with confidence. Utilize the knowledge gained from this guide to carve out your path to victory, leaving your opponents in awe.

May your conquests be legendary, and may you stand as the triumphant ruler of Kemet!

Want to know what we think of Kemet? Read our detailed review of Kemet here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.