Quick answer
The Cloudspire Ankar's Plunder softcover book adds bonus scenarios and skirmishes that require the Cloudspire core game. Use the step-by-step process below to set up, choose a scenario, and play without confusion.
What the Ankar's Plunder book adds
This softcover scenario book is a retail pre-order edition that includes bonus scenarios and skirmishes designed for 1 to 4 players. It does not include the hardcover lore and art book from the original Ankar's Plunder release, so if you want the full narrative and art collection, you'll need to look for the separate hardcover edition. The scenarios here are meant to be played with the Cloudspire core board game, which is sold separately.
Solo vs. multiplayer considerations
The book supports solo play (1 player) as well as 2–4 player games. Solo scenarios often have different victory conditions or AI behavior, so read each scenario's special rules carefully. If you're playing with a group, decide ahead of time whether you want a cooperative or competitive skirmish, as the book includes both types.
How to set up and play Ankar's Plunder bonus scenarios
- Step 1: Gather your Cloudspire core game: Set up the Cloudspire core board game as normal. The Ankar's Plunder book does not include any new components or factions, so you'll need all the core tiles, units, and tokens ready. Common mistake: trying to play without the core game. The book is a supplement, not a standalone expansion.
- Step 2: Choose a scenario or skirmish from the book: Flip through the softcover book and pick a bonus scenario or skirmish. Each entry lists the required setup, number of players, and special rules. Mark the page so you can reference it during play. Check the player count and victory conditions before you start—some scenarios are solo-only or require specific factions.
- Step 3: Read the special rules for that scenario: Each scenario may introduce unique objectives, AI behavior changes, or victory conditions. Read them aloud to all players before placing any units. Pay attention to any new rules about resource generation or turn order. Skipping this step is the most common error; players often assume standard rules apply and then get confused mid-game.
- Step 4: Set up the board and deploy units according to the scenario: Follow the scenario's setup diagram and instructions. Place starting units, neutral enemies, and any special tokens as indicated. Some scenarios may have you use only a portion of the core board. Double-check that you haven't missed any scenario-specific tokens or markers—they can change the flow significantly.
- Step 5: Play through the scenario following the modified rules: Play the game as usual, but apply the scenario's special rules throughout. Keep the book open to the scenario page for quick reference. If a rule conflict arises, the scenario's rules override the core rulebook. If you're playing solo, remember that some scenarios have alternate win/loss conditions—don't assume the standard core game victory check applies.
- Step 6: Record your results and try different scenarios: After finishing, note which factions you used and how the scenario played. The book contains multiple scenarios, so you can replay with different strategies or player counts. Consider tracking your wins and losses for a personal campaign feel. Many players forget to note which scenarios they've already completed, leading to accidental repeats. A simple log helps.
Product details
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Cloudspire: Ankar’s Plunder Bonus Scenarios & Skirmishes Softcover Book (Retail Pre-Order Edition): This is the retail pre-order edition of the Cloudspire Ankar's Plunder Bonus Scenarios & Skirmishes softcover book, published in 2021 by Chip Theory Games. It provides additional replayable content for Cloudspire owners without the higher cost of the hardcover lore edition, but note that it requires the core game to play.
Cloudspire: Ankar’s Plunder Bonus Scenarios & Skirmishes Softcover Book (Retail Pre-Order Edition)
