WBG Score: 8
Player Count: 1-5
You’ll like this if you like: Viticulture, The Networks
Published by: Paverson Games
Designed by: Dave Beck
This is a free review copy. See our review policy here
If you are wondering how this plays solo, well you are in the right place!
How To Set-Up and Play for Solo Distilled
The only real change from the base game is that you will not be using the Distillery goals and Spirit awards in this game. Instead, you will replace them with cards from the small solo deck. There will be some labelled A, B, and C. Shuffle each deck separately and then lay them out into five rows, with two A's at the top, then three C's, four B's, three C's again, and finally two C's. Shuffle the remaining B cards and place them face down next to this pile. Put the other cards back into the box. Then flip the cards in row one, three, and five face up so you can see their text. Finally, place any unused player score token on the bottom row of these card and place the Solo Goal Swap card next to this set of cards.
Throughout the game, you will be aiming to complete any of the face-up goals on the row the score marker is currently on. You can complete goals on the row above as well, but never higher than that, or below. When you complete a goal, add a coin onto the card to mark that you have done that, and take any money or points shown on that card.
When you complete a goal, any face down goal cards directly above it. If you complete a goal from the row above, you must move the score marker up to that row.
Once per game, you can use the Solo Goal Swap card to swap out any two cards with two new cards from the unused deck. Flip it over to show you have used it.
In order to emerge victorious in a solo game, you must achieve at least one objective from every row and then surpass the designated score. This score is determined by adding up the red numbers on the goal cards you have accomplished. Typically, the simpler goals come with higher numbers, while the more challenging ones have lower values. Therefore, focusing on the straightforward objectives will lead to a higher final target score. Be mindful of this as you play!
The only other change to the game is the spare B cards are used after the end of each Market phase to remove some extra cards from the Market decks. AS if other players had chosen some cards during this phase. Simply flip the top B card, then use the next card to show you which cards to remove. It's very simple and takes a mere moment.
Is it Fun? Distilled Board Game - Solo Review
There is no dummy player in this solo experience. No automa. Just a simple way to set interesting goals, making each solo game unique, and then a final points target to aim for, based on the level of goals you went for this round. It's a near-perfect solo experience.
If playing the game with others isn't your cup of tea, (or glass of Whisky!) your overall opinion of the game may remain unchanged. However, the competitive aspect of obtaining different drink tokens has been removed, relieving some of the pressure. And, you no longer have to worry about other players taking the cards you need or having all the luck during the distilling phase, as they are not there! Some cards will still be taken each round after the Market phase, but only after you have made your selection. While experiencing bad draws during the Distil phase can still be frustrating, but at least you won't have to witness other players getting all the luck that round!
So, if you don't like the main game for these reasons, maybe the solo experience will be better for you. But the genius of this solo game for me is how similar it feels to the multiplayer experience. There is no extra admin, no slow down in play. Just a great way to experience a solid game on your own, with interesting, ever-changing, and genuinely interesting challenges. Both in terms of the mid-game goals, but also the end game score target, that evolves as the game progresses, depending on which goals you complete.
There are enough solo cards to set up two separate games without any duplicates. I would have liked to see a few more for added variety, but this is certainly enough to keep it fresh as remember, you wont be completing all the tasks used in each game anyway. Generally around five to nine from a total of 14.
I am a huge fan of Distilled. It is a truly fantastic game in its own right. With its captivating and distinctive theme that permeates every aspect of the game, from the rules to the mechanics and components, you have a truly solid game here. The solo gameplay is top-notch, offering a seamless experience without any additional rules or complexities, and it does not impact the game length at all. The level of challenge in the solo mode is just right for a game like Distilled. The only downside is that it's an ideal game to enjoy with a drink or two, and I prefer not to drink alone!