How it Plays: Lost Ruins of Arnak Full Gameplay and Review

Join Anthony and Frances as they play through Lost Ruins of Arnak board game by CGE!
Full boardgame playthrough and review.
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What are the best boardgames to play with two players? What games should I buy for my family? What boardgames should I back on kickstarter? What are the top boardgames of 2021? We have your answers! Welcome to Ant Lab Games. We deliver full playthroughs and gameplay videos for two players. Our goal is to show you how games play, and how to play, before you make a decision to purchase. Whether you are looking for cooperative boardgames, competitive games, games for families, kids, or the perfect boardgames for couples, we have you covered. Subscribe and hit the bell to make sure you never miss a new baordgame playthrough or kickstarter preview!

[@AntLabGames]

If this video helped you make a decision on whether or not to add this to your collection, please hit the thumbs up on this comment.

[@michaelmelen9062]

Yep. Just bought it. Thanks for uploading this video! I always get a better feel about how the game will be for my gang by watching you both play a game. "Brass: Birmingham" is still my favorite. "Bee-yah" It's like being back home!

[@riverOfWinds]

Just ordered it. Thanks for the wonderful play through. Such fun.

[@ancientvirus]

Great to see you both back doing what you love and enjoy. You're both great ambassadors for the community.

[@AntLabGames]

Thank you! We are happy to be here :-)

[@Mikael198702]

Glad to see you guys back!

[@AntLabGames]

Thank you!!

[@exponvaldese]

Loved watching the playthrough. You are both acutely aware of the viewers and potential questions on the run. Really appreciate the effort!

[@manonfire4jc]

I am so glad to see ya'll back and doing a game I have set up on my table and haven't played yet. This playthrough has been very helpful. I think you shoot some of the best quality videos/playthroughs in the the gaming community. Cheers!

[@rubenalmaraz2412]

After watching this play through, my wife and I both agreed that we need this game. The “it’s not too fiddly” description sold her on it. 🙂

[@AntLabGames]

You will have so much fun with it!

[@jwetsch]

Always love to watch playthroughs from you guys, as I have said before so glad you are back and the new format to the channel is pretty cool. One rules note I noticed (this game is one of those that can lend itself to missing a lot of stuff) is Anthony did not spend his 3 compass @51:19. On the same turn he ended up using those 3 to explore another new site(@56:27), so a little bit of an extra boon that he got out of all that.

[@AntLabGames]

Good catch! Thank you!

[@suevyue]

Your reviews and opinions often help sway a decision when I’m feeling undecided (your 2 player experience helps as I play mainly 2p). And more often then not, you’ll always tip me towards a positive decision! (since you’re likely to enjoy a game you spend time reviewing) I’m glad you’re back on your original channel!

[@AntLabGames]

This is so nice to hear! Thank you for watching!

[@LordVader07]

It's wonderful that you are back! I love your gameplays and your conversations about the gameplay experience. Many times, it helped me decide whether to buy the game. This time I played Arnak before I saw your movie and I fully share your enthusiasm. The game jumped to my strict top 5. My wife, who we always play with and who is not a geek (although she loves Anachrony) - also found that Arnak really liked her. Thanks for the video and high five from Poland! (sorry for possible language mistakes :))

[@stephaniehanes5170]

I've been looking into this game for a while, but watching your playthrough just now has bumped it to the very top of my "games I want" list! Glad you guys are back!

[@AntLabGames]

Awesome!! Thank you for watching. We are happy to be back at it!

[@wilbabilba]

So happy you're back! Love your content. Love your personalities. Keep your heads up!

[@AntLabGames]

Thank you!! We are happy to be back!

[@abelkok2391]

It's great to see myself maturing in terms of taste for games.... it is like taking a learning journey with you guys...through the years watching your channel. :)

[@timkorb2810]

I appreciate Frances's "thematic interpretation" of the various components (Guardians, sites, items, artifacts). The game pieces lack flavor text (and the sites and Guardians are unnamed), so it is useful to remind players that they can provide the missing details themselves. :-)

[@kmichaelmace]

Just played this last week for the first time. Loved it.

[@michaeldarling7169]

Nice playthrough for two. We need to get this for our table! As always, you set the standard for excellent board game content.

[@AntLabGames]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@robinmckercher65]

Great job! You both helped me decide to purchase Lost Ruins of Arnak. I've been thinking about it for several weeks. :)

[@AntLabGames]

It is such a great game and has been getting so much table time at our house. Hope you enjoy as much as we do!

[@xfoolsgoldx]

When upgrading yourassistant from silver to gold you are able to refresh them straight away if they have already been used. Thanks for your playthrough👍

[@MarkBeazerTapeLoop]

I was planning to buy this. I'm delighted to learn that you loved it. Can't wait until my copy arrives!

[@AntLabGames]

It’s a fun one!

[@BillyIndiana]

Thanks for the playthrough! This has been on my wishlist for awhile, but I wanted to get a better feel for how it plays before pulling the trigger. I plan to play on BGA with a friend soon & will likely order it based on what I've seen now (as long as that online game confirms it). Great video!

[@johncurtis2756]

Excellent video! When an assistant levels to the gold side, he refreshes. --- You caught it later...

[@MoriMemento117]

Awesome! So glad you guys decided to cover this one! I've been on a CGE binge for several years now (to a degree I am uncomfortable admitting) and I need your input on just how good Arnak really is. I'm nearly at the buying point!

[@AntLabGames]

They have been putting out some great games! This was the first by these designers and we really hope they do more work.

[@scorpian223]

We have this setup on our table to play tonight for the first time on the snake temple side. I was expecting more simple to start, but you really have to maximize your turns and think ahead.

[@AntLabGames]

You are absolutely right. It’s quite a puzzle!

[@franciscorojas8088]

I'm excited to play this one; it reminds me of The quest for el dorado but with some extra steps. Excellent playthrough. I'm also loving the "preludes" from Life unboxed. Keep up the great content!

[@AntLabGames]

Thank you! Glad to hear you are loving the preludes, they are a blast to make!

[@Vadjong]

What I love about Arnak is how it pushes you to be really clever, especially in getting the most out of your two (and ONLY! two) archeologists. And then, you actually CAN pull off some epic turns. Precisely the kind of fun I look for in boardgames.

[@AntLabGames]

We love the epic turns! It’s back on our table as we speak actually, with some family :-)

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing. One of my fav games. At 1:15:29, when upgrading an assistant to gold you refresh it. Ahh.... at 1:21 you noticed! Good catch. :-)

[@snoepkontify]

We got into board games due to the pandemic and my kids (9 and 11) picked the hobby up too. My 9 year old loves Marco Polo and Concordia. My 11 year old loves Marco Polo and Pandemic. I’m really hoping this one will be a hit as well. Thanks for your videos. Have been really enjoying them.

[@wsiegel9539]

Excited for the expansion Expedition Leaders coming in July. This game also plays well solo. Like Everdell you try to stretch out your turn as much as you can.

[@lamfgames]

I've had this game for 3 months now, and it has so many pieces!!! It's overwhelming. I'll try to give it a chance next week though! :D

[@ElaDivine]

Good video. Unfortunately when you founf out you couldnt go to the boat spot in the last round you kept the arrowhead and could push quite far because of it! 1:20:30

[@AntLabGames]

Ah good catch!

[@mikegray1702]

Glad y’all liked it. I just played it for the first times this week. Only solo at this point. Like Anthony this is right in the spot I like. Plenty of theme, beautiful art, and options. So many different ways to play, experiment and win. Wondering if it’s a good gateway game for new gamers.

[@AntLabGames]

I would say absolutely a good gateway while still being heavy enough to scratch the strategic itch. I would recommend teaching some strategy as you go, but let the new gamer do their best before jumping in. It was cool to see the way Anthony’s son develop his own strategy - Anthony would question or suggest, and he was like “no Dad I’m doing this other thing”…so yeah, a good gateway for sure.

[@mikegray1702]

@@AntLabGames awesome. Thanks. I’ll try it w my 14 year old first.

[@boardgametrucker9376]

Awesome!!

[@MrDekmaster99]

Great video! Thanks for playing the "other" side of the board. It helped me decide to spend the $77.99 to get this game.

[@AntLabGames]

It definitely gives you a different perspective and experience!

[@boardgamedungeon432]

I have been unsure about it, but I am sold now. The viewpoint about how it is with kids was my main concern, but you help a lot there. Thx

[@AntLabGames]

Awesome! We really like this one!

[@andrewwilson895]

Awesome to see you guys play this one! It's new, but already one of my favorites. I'm hyped for the recently announced expansion as well. What's your take on the two sides of the board? I've heard some people say they'll never play on the "basic" side again after their first game, but I actually find that side more rewarding in getting to do more cool stuff and feeling satisfied.

[@AntLabGames]

The snake side is awesome, but we are playing the bird side again now with family who are playing for the first time. It’s a great side to practice strategies and build up a crazy engine, and for playing with new players :-) we can’t wait for the expansion.

[@ArjanL1979]

at 1:21:00 Anthony finds out he can refresh his worker after upgrading, so he can use it for boat, but it stays untapped after that and he gets to use it again later on

[@sarumda]

Sold me on getting this. Before it was pass but after seeing your video. It’s now on my to own list:)

[@AntLabGames]

Awesome! It’s a fun one. We look forward to the expansion as well.

[@mikeharman4257]

Thanks for playing the "advanced" side of the board - not seen that played before. I wish that they hadn't made the board so big with those huge dedicated spots for supply and decks - not really needed and just letting people put that stuff where they make sense for their table (like most games) is a lot more table friendly.

[@AntLabGames]

Agreed. We usually use our caddy max or other chit holders instead of the designated spots, but it’s nice to have the option.

[@AntLabGames]

Also to note, that part of the board is not connected so it is completely optional. I just like the way it looks!

[@donandjillbarrett7244]

I agree with everything you said about this one. It could definitely use an insert for the box, though.

[@AntLabGames]

Definitely!

[@josephpilkus1127]

This is one of my favorite new titles. I bought it The Games Keep in West Chester, PA. As you guys are in NJ, I highly recommend you check it out. He must have 3K-5K titles.

[@TheHexyBeast]

for playing solo i keep it vertical but put the bottom resources bit to the side above my player board... it was one of my only critiques in my review. interesting you went for snake temple i like how it gives u a reason to hold on to totems oof i tend to run up the track to grab points at end game too a fun tactic to employ is to leave guardians behind to add fear to ur opponents decks using various cards that let you either move workers or guardians... a lot of those cards have good points values too. hit me up for a game on BGA sometime :) Stay Hexy!

[@AntLabGames]

We sure will! We play vertically usually, but really it’s only vertical for one of us now that I think about it haha 😂

[@carsonhenderson]

1:15:25 upgrading an assistant refreshes their ability

[@thomaskarosseit8195]

40:00th min. guy gains two compasses should he not overcome the guardian first before gaining the compasses?

[@ukaszc2620]

I love you guys. Regards from Poland.

[@AntLabGames]

Hello!!

[@justacynic]

Next: Dune Imperium! (I love them both--and even though they are doing the same things mechanically, I love them both for different reasons).

[@LukeMasouras]

I am also waiting for your take on the new Dune game.

[@Cleansweep38]

55:58 I believe you can only substitute a vehicle for a boot, for movement purposes. You can’t sub when paying for the guardian.

[@AntLabGames]

The rule book describes that icon as a travel value wherever it shows up on the board (page 9). The travel hierarchy is global.

[@SupernatuRe.]

Ez a videó segített teljesen megérteni a játékszabályt, köszönöm! :) But there is something I don’t really understand: at 1:10:45 why did you put the card on the board?

[@yodab0y]

one thing I don't get - why do you get an assistant when moving your notebook up to the first level on the research track if there's a zero next to it?

[@TruckDrivinGamer]

Good question. The assistant icon shows what your immediate reward is for moving the notebook up to this level. The zero is the number of points you'll add to your score at the end of the game by having your notebook on this level. So if you want to score more points, you'll need to gather the resources necessary to keep moving that notebook up the research track!

[@thatdreaddyguy]

1:24:12 She was right actually, he did get a free arrowhead a few minutes before

[@BG-Orion17]

A friend and I played this for the first time yesterday on BGA. We had fun, and I will probably get this game. But to answer one of your question, I think the weakest link in this game is the research track. The track is pretty generic and the benefits aren't all that interesting (we played the bird side of the board). The journal benefits on the track are more interesting than the magnifying glass benefits. The exploration feel by going to level 1 and level 2 spots is the best part of the game. I wish they did more interesting things with the research track.

[@AntLabGames]

This is understandable. We often get into a “how could this be better” conversation and end up complicating things and turning every game into a heavy euro :D We like that the snake side requires you to rescue assistants, but you are correct that the main focus of the game is less about research and more the revealing and searching the island.

[@xfoolsgoldx]

Have been playing this alot on bgg and am finding there is no one strategy that works. It appears more of a tactical game that will see different outcomes depending on all the many different factors within the game. I lost to some guy online who scored 96 points and focused exclusively on the track.

[@riverOfWinds]

Just in case: @8:15 Round 1 @21:15 Round 2 @36:10 Round 3 @49:19 Round 4 @1:04:20 Round 5 @1:28:30 Scoring and Review

[@balbright]

The advanced side is definitely the better way to play once you know how. choices are much tighter.

[@AntLabGames]

Without a doubt!

[@Cleansweep38]

29:50 Doesn’t the Binoculars only allow you to Activate Only the camp site areas? Tier 1 and Tier2 areas are not a camp site area. Only the bottom row is.

[@AntLabGames]

Hey, the binoculars allow you to activate a tier one site. The Star Chart allows for the camp site activation only. We are playing again right now actually so we just checked :-)

[@J-Wheeler-G]

I would say that soon you could teach Grand Austria Hotel to your son soon. I would say it is the same perfect balance between theme and strategy.

[@AntLabGames]

Excellent game and great idea! We own it, so we will have to play with him.

[@J-Wheeler-G]

@@AntLabGames it is my wife's favorite game.

[@ashleighmiller2607]

The playthrough really helped and I DEFINITELY know how Anthony likes it, but I didn't hear nearly enough from Frances on whether you really liked it or not too? A 16 point spread is uninspiring for people I play with. Also, is this a situation where you've played it lots of times and Anthony always runs away with it? Where the strategy tends to streamline (one pathway really works, the other pathways are fun but won't lead to victory)? Or is this wide-open and Frances can take home the trophy at times too?

[@IosifStalin2]

First to set up camp!

[@JohnnyMcNabb63]

Did you like it better at 2 or 3 players ? I would normally play it at 2 players.

[@AntLabGames]

It was a bit tighter at 3 which was nice only because you had more options of discovered islands to exploit. I wouldn’t say it impacted gameplay as our scores were pretty much the same, but we love it at both counts.

[@LukeMasouras]

@@AntLabGames Would love to get your take on solo and 4 player, when you get them to table.

[@winn8137]

Since you asked: My only negative for this game is the deck building aspect is too weak. You get to use cards about one time, depending on what round you buy them.

[@Cleansweep38]

If I were to say something negative about this game, it would be that I would like it to be a little longer (6-8 rounds is standard game time). There is so much to do and so little time to do it all!

[@AntLabGames]

It’s definitely a good puzzle!

[@jasonmonroe6703]

Viva la Ant Lab!

[@AntLabGames]

😊

[@Cleansweep38]

Also, thru the game, you keep discarding an artifact. I believe you only discard the item next to the staff, slide the staff to the right, slide all the face up artifacts to the right, and then add the new artifact to the left.

[@AntLabGames]

Hello again! Actually, the rules state “Exile the two cards on either side of the moon staff” (pg. 17) There is a picture of this to illustrate as well, and it’s also on the player aid. It’s a great mechanic! Just out of curiosity, we are wondering if there’s another video you watched to learn the play? (Not saying you should learn from us - we do get things wrong from time to time!) These are pretty big mistakes though. The iconography on this one and the rules are super clear and we appreciated that!

[@Cleansweep38]

How It Plays by Ant Lab Games I watching a few videos on youtube about a month ago, but wasn’t totally sure. It was just confusing how she kept forgetting to slide the artifacts down before drawing new ones and I was thinking that maybe discarding the right one, wasn’t right either. About the binoculars: I can’t see the card’s icon, but if it has an icon of the camp fire, then I do remember the other videos saying it is only able to be done in the camp area at the bottom. I remember a camp fire symbol on the board down there. If it has a different icon, then you would be fine with that move, but I watch these videos on a small phone and so far, only Jon Gets Games is the only one, pretty much, whose cameras zoom in close enough to see things clearly on my phone. I also did think someone said about the movement symbols were only to be used for movement, but you have the rules and if they say they can be used for anything, well, sorry about that. I’ve only played once and stayed with the temple track and the camp spaces and bought lots of equipment. I did not win, but I was the only one to get to the top of the temple, which is no easy feat. However, collecting Guardians racks up the points fast and both of you are doing well with that! (I’m still not done watching) I think it is going to be a close race, between guardians and cards! Anyway, not trying to step on any toes, I do enjoy watching! Helps me to decide on the games I want to get. I have this, but I have not opened yet, since I don’t get to play much anymore.

[@AntLabGames]

@@Cleansweep38 No worries at all, we appreciate the feedback. The binoculars have the symbol for the level 1 exploration zone, so it applies to any ruins discovered in that area. The camp icon is a tent. There is another item that has a similar action for these spaces. Hope this clears it up.