Path of Light and Shadow

Lead an exiled house in a fantasy empire-builder where you choose between a cruel and a merciful path to the throne.

Designers: Jonathan Gilmour-Long, Travis R. Chance, Nick Little (I)
Published by: Action Phase Games
Editions by: Stronghold Games, Indie Boards & Cards, Devir

The Realms are divided, the Tyrant Queen sits on the throne, and you are the heir of an exiled house: Foxway, Gorga, Mherzeen or Spyre. Path of Light and Shadow is a big empire-building game that mixes area control with deck management. You enlist and promote supporters, outfit your growing empire with technologies, align with powerful leaders and eventually lay siege to the rival exiles who want the same crown. Above all, you decide what kind of ruler you become, cruel or merciful, and each path has its own rewards and perils. Two to four players, about two hours, for people who want an epic with real choices about who they are.

Four exiled houses with different powersDeck building plus technology tracksA choice between cruel and merciful rule

Who it's for

You like a long fantasy empire game that blends deck building with area control and gives you real story choices.

Not for you if…

You want a short game, or a rules-light one. It asks for two hours and a fair amount of rules.

Vibe's take

Big, layered and deliberate. You build a deck, a tech path and a moral identity at the same time, and the sieges at the end feel earned.