Set Collection

Set Collection Mechanic in Board Games

Set Collection is a fundamental mechanic found in many board games. It involves players gathering and combining specific items or cards to achieve predetermined combinations, often to fulfill objectives or score points.

Functionality

The Set Collection mechanic requires players to strategically acquire game components that form a complete set. Sets are usually defined by the game rules and can be based on various criteria, such as color, shape, number, or type. Completing sets typically grants players benefits like victory points or in-game advantages.

Strategy

Players must balance the pursuit of sets against other game actions. Set Collection often intertwines with resource management, as players decide what to collect and what to trade or discard. Timing can be critical, as can understanding an opponent's strategy.

Examples

Popular examples of Set Collection mechanics are found in:

  • Ticket to Ride: Collecting sets of train cards to claim railway routes.
  • Sushi Go!: Gathering sets of sushi cards for points.
  • 7 Wonders: Building sets of scientific symbols for scoring multipliers.

The Set Collection mechanic is versatile and adaptable, contributing to both the complexity and replayability of board games.