The fantasy deck-building board game Gudnak is getting another print run alongside a brand-new expansion, giving players a fresh opportunity to explore its unusual world of faction-based combat. The Gudnak: Reprint and Guilds of Zarruhk Expansion crowdfunding campaign has already reached its funding goal, with the project set to close on October 14. That leaves a little time for anyone interested in picking up the game or expanding their existing collection. With its mix of fantasy warfare, strategic deckbuilding and customisable combatants, Gudnak has carved out a respectable following among board game fans. Its latest expansion looks set to build on those foundations, introducing modular robots that players can equip with programmable actions.
Build your deck and fight for a dying world
Gudnak is a competitive fantasy board game in which players choose from a diverse roster of factions and battle for control of a world that's slowly dying. Players construct a 20-card deck using cards from eight different factions, with hundreds of individual cards available to influence their strategies. The game supports up to four players, creating opportunities to experiment with different combinations and tactical approaches. Choosing the right cards is central to the experience. With so many possibilities available, players can explore different strategies and discover how their chosen factions work together on the battlefield.
Gudnak has also earned an impressive 8.5 rating on BoardGameGeek, suggesting that its combination of deckbuilding and tactical combat has resonated with the board gaming community. However, there's another interesting idea behind the game's design. Gudnak was created as an alternative to collectible card games where expensive decks and scalping can become barriers to entry. Games such as Magic: The Gathering have built enormous communities around collecting cards and constructing competitive decks, but keeping up with the hobby can become expensive. Gudnak instead offers a self-contained experience, allowing players to focus on strategy and deck construction without needing to chase an endless stream of individual cards.
Guilds of Zarruhk introduces programmable robots
The upcoming Guilds of Zarruhk expansion adds a mechanical twist to Gudnak's fantasy setting, introducing modular robot fighters with programmable actions. These robotic combatants bring new tactical possibilities to the battlefield, giving players additional ways to approach encounters and develop their strategies. Rather than simply adding more cards to the existing pool, the expansion introduces a new element for players to explore. The robots are also designed around modularity, making them an intriguing addition for anyone who enjoys customising their forces and experimenting with different combinations.
Alongside the mechanical fighters, Guilds of Zarruhk introduces new content for existing factions. This should give returning players more options when building their decks, allowing them to revisit familiar strategies while experimenting with fresh combinations. Expansions can sometimes struggle to offer something meaningfully different from the original game, but programmable robots provide Gudnak with a distinctive new direction. They'll give players another system to learn and master while retaining the faction-based combat that defines the core experience.
What's included in the crowdfunding campaign?
The crowdfunding campaign offers several options for newcomers and existing fans, ranging from the core game to larger collections containing expansions and accessories. The Core Set includes the main game, while the Guilds of Zarruhk Expansion provides the latest additions. Players can also choose the Complete Collection, which bundles the core game with all four expansions. For those who want a more premium setup, the Deluxe Collection includes everything in the Complete Collection alongside a playmat and storage box. There's also an Everything Bundle for particularly dedicated collectors. This package includes five sets, two booster boxes, 800 faction sleeves, two playmats, a storage box, two deck boxes, a hardcover book and a plushie.
With several pledge options available, the campaign caters to different levels of commitment. New players can get started with the base game, while established fans have the opportunity to pick up additional content and accessories in one package. As with any crowdfunding project, prospective backers should check the campaign page for the latest details on available pledges, fulfilment and delivery before committing.
One more chance to discover Gudnak
Gudnak's return offers another opportunity to discover a fantasy deckbuilding game that has earned strong reviews from players. Its combination of faction selection, tactical battles and a self-contained card pool gives it a different appeal from traditional collectible card games. Guilds of Zarruhk also looks to expand the experience in an interesting way. Programmable robots might seem an unusual fit for a fantasy setting, but their modular design could open up plenty of new strategic possibilities. The crowdfunding campaign closes on October 14, so interested players have a limited window to back the reprint and its new expansion. With the funding goal already reached, Gudnak's next chapter is well on its way.
