Lost Ruins of Arnak - Playthrough & Review

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Have you all tried any new releases? If so, which ones?

[@benrichardson2837]

Purchased Beyond the Sun after seeing your playthrough and review. The artwork/minimalistic style grew on me (which I know is a common critique), but I've enjoyed the two playthroughs to date (both at 2p). Also just became a Patron!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

@@benrichardson2837 Hi Ben, we're so glad you've enjoyed it!! Same thing with us, the art is surprisingly more pleasing now then when we first unboxed the game lol

[@kaseygirven3522]

We just played Curious Cargo! We really dug it. Looking forward to shipping the 3 cargo types.

[@KillJoy83]

@@benrichardson2837 wow I never even realized there was a Patreon as I don't commonly read down in the show notes. I'm one now too!

[@momgamer9750]

Got three new games yesterday and really excited to try them out : Paleo, Pavlov’s House, Under Falling Skies,

[@Dr.TurdFartleyBM]

I love learning games this way. You guys explained the rules in an order that made sense, and then, by immediately playing, gave everything you just said its context. This is SO much more helpful than someone simply reciting the rulebook and sending you on your way. I honestly felt like I was at the table and two friends were showing me how to play. Subscribed!

[@IvorStiffan]

This review got me to subscribe too 👌🏻

[@debbieholecek3293]

I agree!😊

[@boomaaee]

so i saw about 2 tutorials and played the game before watching yours. I was completely lost. You guys show exactly what was missing elsewhere and the playthrough style really helps! thanks!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awesome! Glad we could help. Sorry for our dated camera 🎥. Our current videos are now shot in 4K.

[@boomaaee]

@@BeforeYouPlay it was great =)

[@bellowjello8873]

Awesome video I did see one mistake though, at 25:35 when you take the dig at a site action you did not play the movement cost, however at the end of round 1 you discarded a fear card using it for nothing so you can just imagine that was the price.

[@karting2277]

I REALLY like how you divided up and labeled the time bar below the video. Super helpful. I also enjoy watching you two because you're no naturally pleasant and relaxing to listen to. Keep up the good work.

[@hz1249]

I am forever in your debt for this upload. Thank you!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha debt paid, thanks for supporting us!

[@johngoodwin9606]

Just received this game in a trade. I started a couple other playthroughs, but something is always lacking... Your playthroughs are the best. Clear audio, clear video, and great commentary.

[@ViciAbsm]

Thanks for the play through. Thought it was time to voice how much I enjoy watching you two play. By far my favourite channel for playthroughs. Great dynamic, respect and character! Love it!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so much, we are so glad that it shows. We are having a blast making the videos together. Thanks for your continued support!

[@renanmerchedguerreiro6535]

Relationship Goals

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha thanks!

[@bajaaron541]

Are they in a relationship?

[@Arahmon1117]

See you have your patreon up now. So happy that I can donate. Lord knows you have certainly provided me a lot of entertainment over the last few months and deserve every penny. Looking forward to lots more!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Aww thank you so much. We just launched the Patreon earlier in the week. We want to upgrade our top down camera as well as get dedicated microphones for better audio and video. Thank you so much for your support and spending time with us! :-)

[@stigdu99]

I just got this and felt a bit daunted at the prospect of playing it, as it looked a bit heavy. Someone pointed me in the direction of this video. I thought watching two people play a board game would be boring but I really enjoyed it, and thought it was an excellent presentation, clear, concise and it didn't hurt that the presenters are easy on the eyes. :) Big thumbs up!

[@MyKonaRC]

Its fairly light. You buy something, fight or explore. Did you end up getting the game? It's not too bad for the price. Playing solo is alright.

[@stigdu99]

@@MyKonaRC I bought it, but sold it without playing.

[@EarlysArtProjects]

Loved your production quality and editing. Also love how you pause when you show the cards on an image of the card close up. The quality is crystal clear and not blurry and this helps greatly following your game. Love it. Keep up the great work. compliments. P.s. Also the subscribed. haha. :)

[@BondOfFlame]

So glad you covered this! This game looks like so much fun!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@lystic9392]

I love the theme. We need more Indiana Jones-Amazonian-esque temple treasure hunting board games. Especially (semi)co-op, I love co-op games.

[@ulagasiorek7673]

The greatest playthrouhs ever. Thank you for your time and commitment.

[@owly611]

Thank you, Monique (hope I have heard and spelt it right) and Naveen, for making this video. It has helped me in making a last minute decision in purchasing a copy of the game, for which I was a bit hesitant before. Thank you. Your walk-through videos are the best! :D

[@MostVictoryPoints]

Terrific, clear explanation! And an engaging playthrough as always! Thanks for teaching me this awesome game

[@nostoc]

Great explination, playthrough with no mistakes and great image quality and care in showing of every symbol in the cards played. Keep up the great work ;)

[@sunlioness1]

I'm so glad I found you! The only playthroughs where I enjoy watching the game as much as the players themselves. Insta-support on Patreon and currently binging on your videos, even for games I don't plan to buy :)

[@susanscandles]

I always go to them first now to learn about a game. They are great!👍🏻

[@mih2]

Thank you. Helped me get this to the table super fast.

[@amoghskulkarni]

One of the best introductions to the game out there. Really helped me get a feel of the game and how it plays, rather than watching all the information dumps that were the other top-rated videos.

[@SamboBaggins91]

I had watched several videos about this, but I felt like there was too much stuff to do, and I couldn't seem to make sense of it. I didn't want to bust it out and trail-and error it because that makes my family hate me! This was the perfect way to learn the game. Thank you so much!

[@bathth3ory]

Got this game a while ago, just unpacked it today along with the EL expansion, and had to watch this video to see you two play it and get a good grasp of the rules. 😁 Love your videos, you guys are awesome! (PS, love your hair here M, so on point!)

[@macngames100]

You guys are amazing! Thanks for making super interesting content on both old and upcoming games. Y'all are an inspiration for budding BG hobbyists like myself!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so much! Glad you found our channel, we have plans to keep pushing forward and releasing more videos :-)

[@paulrounding5260]

Excellent walk through, a complete deck refreshment at the end of every round would help in a 2 player game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks so much! We wish we had our better camera setup when we filmed this a few years ago.

[@Cissewis]

Thanks for another wonderful playthrough Naveen and Monique! As always these videos are just awesome, a great way to relax after a workday :). Such a great channel, loving the wholesome vibes! Haha, I almost thought Monique was going to call that dog card the 'Dexter' card ;)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha the dog card is definitely one we always try to grab whenever we see it. Thanks for unwinding with us! :-)

[@CugarOne]

That's it! That sealed the deal! Just bought the game! Thank you for the great playthrough and thoughts!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad we could help! Hope you enjoy it!!

[@elwencge615]

What a nice playthrough! Thank you :) And congratulations to 100K views!

[@brewsta1290]

Only just found you guys, really enjoyed your play through....swift and intelligent explanations of what you are doing and what you are thinking. Subscribed

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Steve, so glad you found the channel! We're excited to release a bunch more videos :-)

[@inoutsoccer11]

Loved this play though, helped me decide to get the game initally and now that I have the game I'm watching again before it makes it to the table later. Thank you!

[@stefrasca]

I’m about to play this game for the first time, I found your gameplay pretty useful, the short tutorial at the beginning really clear as a fast resume of game’s rules 👍👍👍

[@timmckinstry1547]

Very helpful. Plus there is a nice relaxed atmosphere with the two of you, great video. I just won this game from Czech Game Edition and looking forward to getting a game.

[@svedjenaeva]

Really like your playthroughs, and now I really want Lost Ruins of Arnak :)

[@BillyIndiana]

Great video (as always)! We're playing Lost Ruins of Arnak for the first time today & this was super helpful!

[@MrEds9]

This was a fun playthrough! I was thinking of getting this one but there seemed something off that didn't quite click with me based off the reviews and overviews I read. I think it seems a bit too fiddly for me and my wife, so I'm glad I found your channel for a full playthrough! Subscribed!

[@kaseygirven3522]

That game board is just so gorgeous! Can’t wait for our copy to arrive 😆 Great job Monique and Naveen as usual!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Kasey! Hope you enjoy it when it arrives! :-)

[@Cleansweep38]

Very Great Playthru and teach! You both were clear and understandable! I also enjoy the artwork!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@susanscandles]

Always the best explanation of a game. Going to a Gamenight tonight and this is one of the featured games, so came right to your video on it. Thank you!!😊

[@mdrizwanulhasan9279]

Both of you are Amazing....:). I love seeing your playthroughs. Just one think about this gameplay.... The lady forgot to pay the cost for travelling to the coin dig spot at 25:40 :P...

[@eSSentialplaysYT]

I was on the fence about the game, but after watching your overview and your 2P game session, AND a discount on a site I usually use to buy my board games, it's a shoe-in purchase for me now. Thank you for the great video and humour, as always! 37:30 The Sturdy Boots item card is useful for two main things: the first is three or four player games (the tidal wave token is currently covering those spaces with two boots on them) and the second is the reverse side of the main game-board; there is a dig site with two boots required to travel to it. Since it provides two boot "resources", you can also use them to pay requirements on separate cards or actions, as well.

[@G00berella]

Thank you, I keep coming back to this video to clarify a few things I'm struggling to understand in the game.

[@4fun507]

Fantastic playthrough and review. It all flows so well but at the same time you always take the time to clearly explain each step and choice. Thanks, you just sold a copy of Arnak. :)

[@janahein5141]

I’ve had this game in my collection for awhile but haven’t played it. The rule book was a bit intimidating and I had reservations about playing it. You’ve explained it so well and did a great play through! Thanks for doing such a great job…now I can’t wait to play! Well done!!!

[@kovray]

Will have to watch this one after work, heard nothing but phenomenal things about this game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Let us know watcha think!

[@lizstarzec7621]

Thanks for the explanation and playThrough!!! it’s so helpful for me to watch a video play before I learn a game since I am highly visual learner. You guys rock! So excited to play this one. Thank you!

[@markbeaulieu411]

Thanks for these videos. I just got this game and you've made this so much easier to learn. You two are the best.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We just bought this one and are going to play it this weekend! Great playthrough as always!

[@play-it-or-not]

Thanks to your video I understood the game, bought it and already played it. I love the mechanics and the theme !

[@in1548]

great vid! I appreciate all the close ups

[@marknadeski7485]

Love your detailed comments in the review section. Thanks!

[@mananshah267]

Thanks for covering, looking forward to the video and game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@saravanandilip7907]

Thanks for your play through. Though time consuming, it cleared up a lot of doubts. I watched another rules video, but wasn't able to play the game. but your playthrough helped me understand the game much better

[@debbieholecek3293]

Thank you for your great explanation! My husband and I just finished playing and loved it!!❤

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awww yay! Glad we could help!

[@moregamespleaseUK]

Great video you two! Watched the whole playthrough, was a lot of fun.

[@AlekseiPerepelitsa]

ty, this video was really helpful in clearing up some uncertainties i had with the rules. happy new year!

[@adriang6259]

Great playthrough. You convinced me to go and order the game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks for checking it out Adrian!

[@evanstanek5838]

Great game, great video, answered all of my questions!

[@mangs9940]

best review i have come across on this game!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks Mark!!

[@daem0nfaust]

Ok, this is a great video. I don't know if it's just your presentation, the game, or both, but this gameplay has been fun to watch. I can feel my own excitement here as a mere observer. I will definitely get this game. Or maybe it's also because I recently watched the 1999 The Mummy and it rolls like that movie.

[@esteban5871]

Great Video! Love to see and hear you go through the game!

[@george_castle]

Finally, got this game. Everything that @beforeyouplay mentioned was spot on. I'm going to try solo next with the new expansion. If you guys could do an episode with the Expedition Leaders would be a bonus. Thanks again for your thorough analysis!!

[@MisterNorthernCanuck]

You guys are going to cost me a lot of money...... :D Great video!

[@TruckDrivinGamer]

An interesting game! I believe there were NO ARTIFACTS purchased, as well as the research notebooks left WAY behind. Yet the scores were still quite good. It just goes to show the variable strategies this game has to offer. Great game, you two, very fun to watch! Btw, the solo mode is quite fun! I'm looking forward to the Expedition Leaders expansion coming soon, with asymmetric player boards and additional solo game elements 👍😎🚛

[@sercandereli9854]

Everytime I watch a playtyrough video of yours Monique is winning! 😂😂

[@KillJoy83]

Really enjoyed this one at Spiel. Glad you guys liked it too and had similar sentiments about it - I love how the mechanics in it are all pretty well known ones but the nuance they add to them feels both ultra modern and enjoyable.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Exactly right, we have seen all these mechanisms before, they did a great job implementing it all into one great cohesive game.

[@timeafarkas]

I’ve watched the playthrough part of the video before we’ve played this game to help me teach it quicker, then watched the review part just now after a few plays, and I agree with you completely. For me, when they make an effort to at least have this much theme in an Euro, it does make a difference to me in enjoying the game a bit more (and definitely is the leaning factor when I buy a game). Thank you for this, it’s very helpful to see games being played, not living near places where we can try them before buying 😊

[@SASReacts]

Hey Monique and Naveen (sorry if spelling is off), I found your channel through your Vital Lacerda series and very quickly became a fan. Now when I’m looking into new games to purchase or just want a board game fix, I look through your channel! Might have sold me on this one too. Please stop costing me money 🙈 and also thank you for the great content 😁

[@JV-un7qw]

Great playthrough! Thanks.

[@zacdredge3859]

Nice playthrough but I do get a strong impression that 5 rounds is not enough for the deckbuilding to be all that relevant and there were multiple cards that don't have the timeframe to generate the kind of value you'd want from them. As that's my favourite mechanism I'm not sure I'll play this.

[@yanmartins7935]

I feel like this in every deck building game. But i havent played dominion or clank

[@laurenwoode1046]

The tutorial and play through were excellent. Your review of the game, including strategy, was superb! I love this game by the way. I will probably play mainly solo, but I played two handed yesterday to get the basics. Thank you 😊

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for your kind words. We have been enjoying this one in preparation for filming. :-)

[@laurenwoode1046]

@@BeforeYouPlay You’re welcome! Looking forward to what you play next or play again 👍🏽

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Great job, as always

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks Paul! You're the best :-)

[@iridikim]

After 20 minutes I was hooked. I'll stop my Netflix subscription and start watching your boardgameseries :D (Do you ever fight?)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Lol! We can sometimes get in each other’s nerves 😬, but usually are pretty quick to get over it haha!

[@TheBoardDad]

Always enjoy your videos. Just was able to pick this one up and this playthrough is just perfect.

[@hugobaur760]

Watched several videos on this game but no one explains the rules and gameplay better than you guys. Thank you and thumbs up! Are you going to cover Bonfire? Seems to be a heavy game, so an introduction by you could be really helpful!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Hugo, thank you so much for the kind words. We are so glad you found the video helpful! We do have Bonfire but have yet to play it. We hope to feature it soon!

[@aradtajmirriahi5578]

Love your work guys! I like to recommend you "Taverns of Tiefenthal" and "Seize the bean" as nice deck building games.

[@ericbess5917]

25:30 - Did I miss something here? Placing the guy in the dig site - should there not have been a boot paid? To be fair, she ended up with a fear card in her hand at the end of the round, so she had the boot to pay, but I have the subtitles turned on and it seems at the very least there should be a subtitle here saying it was misplayed...again - unless I missed something.

[@play-it-or-not]

I have also noticed it and would love to get an explanation!

[@gamby85]

As always ... great video and explanation !

[@LarthKuritianas]

Lovely playthrough. Thanks

[@joerobert7847]

I have played Warp’s Edge a solo game. Waiting on Tiny Towns bought on watching your play. Man you two do a great job. Honestly when I sit down and watch you two play. I watch the whole video. As usual great job you two.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so Joe for watching the videos, we have a lot of fun making them!

[@joerobert7847]

Sorry I called it Tiny Town and it was Tumble Town

[@thessik5660]

This one looks fun! Gunna have to pick this one up

[@louisc6743]

Much appreciation for this video

[@IvorStiffan]

I remember watching this last year- basic game explaination, a 2 player tutorial game and a review. Nice. 4 player tomorrow with all newbies before some Mansions of Madness... I think it'll be a hit.. looking forward to Expedition Leaders.. are you guys are going to re-review in the same format? 🙂

[@EzFlyers10]

Secret cabal loved this game.. can't wait to watch this vid to see if it's worth a buy. Love your vids!!

[@CraydaysOnTube]

Really dig the theme and looking to buy this one despite 2-player balance issues. Thank you for the review and playthrough. Everything is on point!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad we could help! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@marcosfernandes7128]

Such a good playthrough review. 👌 Helped me a lot understanding the mechanisms. Now to teach the wife and go for a first game 😊 Thank you

[@Sem5626]

just bought this on a whim without really knowing what it was, ripped through 2 solo games i rate it, i have been playing a lot of lacerda solo games though so it was a nice change of pace, i didn't realise it while playing it though but its kinda just... dune imperium rethemed.... right?

[@MrFrancisChio]

Awesome play through! I wasn’t really interested at first as not really into the theme and artwork of the box like Monique (the exploring with hat like Indiana Jones type). But after watching the whole video, the artwork of the cards and the overall play through seems interesting as the mixture of so many different mechanics are not that commonly find in a lot of other games. And the playthrough makes me understand the game so much more and it’s not as complex as during the rules explanation. Nice video and more videos! ❤️

[@leonardostreit3527]

Great explanation, right to the point!

[@huhhhh963]

Indiana Jones vibes. Might get this one in the future. Awesome content! Love your guys’ playthroughs and review.

[@aggiripap4640]

Thank you so much! Both have been really helpful and yo the point. Now I am ready to play it and lose by my best friend again😭😭😭😂😂😂 Love you both❤❤❤

[@saintsalieri]

I can imagine a two player variant in which maybe more cards are discarded each round (maybe the two leftmost items for rounds 1 and 2, and the two rightmost artifacts for rounds 3 and 4?), and also maybe a variant in which a second dig site is revealed when players visit one, but it can't be visited until next round and the guardian isn't revealed yet. This mimics another player discovering a site but occupying the space until next round, and it retains a feeling of danger and uncertainty since you still don't know which guardian you'll face. When I get my copy I'll definitely play several times before houseruling anything though. Edit: or, I haven't looked at the bot yet, but I've heard it's easy to run. Could probably be incorporated into a two player game.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Wow Nailed it with that fix!! Only thing is you would have to mutually decide which site to overbuild and which immediate benefit would need to be discarded. I like the idea of no Guardian knowledge so you can't truly prepare. We'll try and tinker with that idea on our next play.

[@javierarellano6127]

awesome play!

[@kaesar98]

I'm not sure I understand your suggested advantage for player 1 in the first round. With no compasses as a starting resource the first player can gain two at the camp site which still isn't enough to discover a level 1 site that round (need 3 compasses). The fact that player 2 does get a game-starting compass opens the door for them to go to the compass camp site and explore on a subsequent turn in the first round. With my game group, the two gold for player one most often results in a card purchase by that player to take the lead on adding more useful cards in their deck while player 2 most often opens the door to new dig sites. Besides that, it is crucial to start building your progress on the research track as soon as possible. Gaining assistants is really helpful and reaching the big points at the top of the track takes committed actions on the research track on every round of the game. I appreciate that the diversity of starting resources facilitates varying opening strategies. I agree with you that every game plays differently in no small part due to the mix of unique cards that come into the game. That said, I've played the game only a handful of times and always at 3 or 4 player count. The combo of deck building and worker placement is an entertaining and satisfying strategic puzzle for me and my game friends. It's proving to be a welcome addition to my game collection.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi! We just found that in all of our plays, player one can almost always discover a dig site AND buy a card in round 1 because they have the 2 starting coins, and they can immediately take the tent spot that gives them 2 compasses. We always start the game with a compass card in hand since you draw 5 out of your 6 cards from your deck, so with the 2 newly acquired plus the one from their hand, they can definitely discover a dig site. However, the point we brought up is not really a huge deal, just something we sort of noticed.

[@dwarrenmsp]

You already sold me on Beyond the Sun and I was already ready to get Arnak, but again you two showed a great view of the game and how it plays. I really like your detailed thoughts on it as well. BtS is readily available and Arnak is sold out everywhere so that limits my options, but I also fear that my wife wouldn't be drawn to the starkness of BtS. Maybe one day when the regular group can get together.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Aww thank you for the compliments David, it truly means a lot to us to read comments like yours. We can't wait until regular group gaming can be a thing again!

[@kevinmcgaire6412]

At 1:09:57 why did you chose to purchase two 6's instead of an 11 and a 2? Isn't 13 > 12?

[@brikov68]

Wow, I wish this game were more readily available. Deck-building and worker placement are my favorite types of games.

[@revimfadli4666]

Have you tried Copycat or Endless Winter? Their deckbuilding component seem more significant imo

[@brikov68]

@@revimfadli4666 I hadn’t even heard of Copycat before this comment! It looks like something I might like. Is that Endless Winter: Paleoamericans? I missed that Kickstarter. I have gotten this one and I love it and it’s multiuse cards.

[@revimfadli4666]

@@brikov68 IMO Copycat seems to balance between its WP and deckbuilding, and they feed into each other, whereas Arnak's deckbuilding feels underused due to its infrequent redraws, it's more like handbuilding with a tiny deck, or resource management cards with some effects(good thing the rest of the game's good enough that it doesn't really matter. Plus I really like the multiuse cards, which seem to be designed for a "fuller" deckbuilding hybrid game) with the WP being the main 'star' mechanic. EW:P seems to combine Copycat's turn order auction + WP vs card phase tradeoff with Arctic Scavenger's skirmish, making the former more exciting while reducing the snowballiness of the latter.

[@revimfadli4666]

@@brikov68 btw Dune Imperium seems to be another worker placement + deckbuilder combo, with some asymmetry like the original Dune game(including the auctions!). Maybe you wanna check that out as well?

[@akshayagarwala8991]

How did Monique pay the boot cost at 25:33? Not sure if I missed something from the teach.

[@duxrppl2]

She didn't, but she also threw away an excess fear card at the end of the round, so it was accidentally evened out.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

You both are right! Glad it technically all worked out.

[@momgamer9750]

Thank you for another wonderful teach and play through

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Our pleasure, and thanks for sticking around with us! ;-)

[@georgelopez337]

So far, very interesting (rules overview). My concern is my spouse who has severe AP and I have to avoid games that give too many options on your turn.

[@colinmccarthy2079]

Asked for (and received) this for Christmas and now, after watching this video, I am ready to dig in! (No pun intended… or so I don’t think.) Thank you so much, Monique and Naveen! Your videos are the best. So curious: Monique, did you wear a green cardigan to match the color of the box?

[@danielkeim8558]

Great video as always! Really interested in trying this one but wonder how it plays solo

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you! We unfortunately don't know much about the solo version of the game :-(