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Blaze a trail through uncharted terrain and mark the path along the way.
Switchbacks is a simple-to-learn tile-laying game that offers interesting decisions in a tight package
$19
Switchbacks - $19
A "filler" game with some fangs!
The rules are simple, but the decisions are tough.
Hikers only score if they are on a path of 4 continuous numbers. Do you join an opponents’ trail to team up, or block their path with one of your own? Do you forgo a sure placement to buddy up your hikers for a perfect space next turn? Will that space even be available next turn?
We have fallen in love with these elegant dilemmas and you will too!
Why We Love It
What Makes Switchbacks Special?
Simple Rules & Tough Decisions
The game’s tough because the players make it tough, not because the rules are confusing–just the way we like it. We love when we can teach a game in a minute and every player (new and experienced) is instantly competitive!
Organic Partnerships
Table talk, teamwork, and betrayal can all manifest in Switchbacks, with no formal rules for them. How will you play? One group might love the game as a quick, peaceful filler game while another group is still agonizing over a mid-game act of war.
Hidden Info
Each player looks at and discards one tile at the beginning of the game. Will it be the key to your opponents’ strategies? Can you leverage that small amount of hidden information and turn it into a decisive win? Or, even if your information isn’t that important, can you bluff to make it seem like it is?
How To Master The Trails
Strategy
Consider The Table Dynamic
Use every advantage to understand what your opponents are thinking! Table talk, personal relationships, previous games... if they betrayed you in Blood on the Clocktower, they'll betray you in Switchbacks!
Utilize Your Hidden Information
You know one tile that won't be included in the game. Can you manipulate the board so that your opponents rely on it?
Careful With Your Timing
Choosing to hike or buddy-up is a big decision! Be careful: go onto the board too eagerly and your opponents might block you or freeload off of your tiles. Go too late, and you might not have enough time to score!
How To Play
1. Check Your Tiles
There's a hidden information element to Switchbacks. You know one tile that will never be played! Can you use this info to your advantage?
2. Play A Tile
You can play anywhere on the board! Watch closely as others place their tiles—are they making a trail, getting rid of a throwaway tile, or blocking something?
3. Play A Hiker OR Buddy Up
Go out hiking or combine two of your pieces on the side of the board.
4. Score!
Hikers score on trails of four continuous tiles. Most points wins!
What's In The Box
Components
Part of Allplay's small box form factor.
- A1 Map Board
- B37 Elevation Tiles
- C53 Hikers
Component Upgrade
Deluxe Hiker Meeples
Add extra delight to this colorful small box with 53 bigger, chunkier screen-printed meeples. Which hiker do you identify with most?
What You're Saying About Switchbacks
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Helpful Resources
Lunar
5" x 5" x 2"
10.0 oz
GME-SB
618149323609
$20