A Unique Tabletop Game of Fate, Strategy, and Tension

Brief Pre-Intro

In this article, we delve into the enthralling universe of Malifaux, a tabletop miniature game that combines the grit and gunfights of the Wild West with supernatural elements. Set in an alternate history, Malifaux transports players to a parallel world where magic and horrors coexist amidst the desolate landscapes.

As you embark on your journey through Malifaux, you’ll encounter a diverse cast of characters, from rugged gunslingers to eerie shades and grotesque stitched horrors. Each faction offers unique gameplay mechanics and strategies, providing endless possibilities for tactical battles.

The core of Malifaux lies in its immersive narrative. Engross yourself in a world teeming with dark secrets, intricate alliances, and enigmatic power struggles. Unravel the stories behind each faction, their motivations, and their connection to the haunting forces that plague Malifaux.

To excel in Malifaux, a strong grasp of strategy and resource management is crucial. Assemble your crew, composed of skilled individuals and terrifying creatures, and engage in tactical skirmishes against rival factions. Make use of the terrain, exploit your opponents’ weaknesses, and master the game’s innovative card-based mechanics to secure victory.

Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Malifaux offers a captivating experience. Dive into a world where steampunk aesthetics blend with the eerie ambience of the supernatural. Prepare yourself for a gripping adventure filled with mystery, danger, and awe-inspiring miniatures.

If you’re seeking a game that combines the Wild West with supernatural horrors, Malifaux is the perfect choice. It seamlessly blends an immersive narrative, strategic gameplay, and breathtaking miniatures, ensuring countless hours of enjoyment for players of all backgrounds.

Introduction:

Set in the early 20th century, Malifaux is a world steeped in mystery, shaped by both fate and magic. It was a time when the line between the mundane and the supernatural began to blur, and the consequences of reckless actions were realized.

Centuries ago, a fateful gathering took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where a group of ambitious mages and shamans sought to revive the dwindling Earthly magic. Their intentions were noble, but their methods proved disastrous. In a cataclysmic event, they unintentionally ripped open a massive portal into an alternate dimension, revealing a twisted and enigmatic abandoned city known as Malifaux.

As the portal cracked open, an ancient and malevolent force emerged. The Neverborn, ancient beings born of darkness and nightmares, surged forth from the shadows. They cast out the humans who had inadvertently awakened them, sealing the breach and isolating Malifaux from Earth for a hundred years.

Welcome to Malifaux, a realm where the threads of destiny are tightly woven, and where every decision carries weight and consequence. Will you fight for the forces of order, seek to unravel the mysteries that permeate the city, or embrace the chaos and carve your path? The choice is yours, but remember, in Malifaux, nothing is ever as it seems.

The World of Malifaux:

Set in the early 20th century, Malifaux is a world shaped by fate and magic. Centuries ago, a catastrophic event occurred when a group of mages and shamans gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to revive Earthly magic. Instead, they inadvertently tore open a massive portal into an alternate dimension, leading them to a bizarre abandoned city called Malifaux. The city’s former inhabitants, the Neverborn, rose from the shadows and cast out the humans, sealing the breach for a hundred years.

The consequences of this event were far-reaching. Without access to Malifaux’s abundant Soulstones, the world’s most valuable and magical resource, Earth fell into chaos and turmoil. The scarcity of these mystical gems sparked conflicts and wars as nations vied for control and dominance.

A century later, the unimaginable happened—the Breach reopened. The Guild of Mercantilers, a powerful organization driven by ambition and a thirst for wealth, seized the opportunity to reclaim Malifaux. They ventured into the strange city, fortifying its far side and appointing a Governor-General to establish control and order.

But not all accepted the Guild’s rule quietly. Within Malifaux’s twisted streets and haunted corners, factions and secret societies emerged, each with their hidden agendas and motivations. The Resurrectionists, practitioners of necromantic arts seeking to defy death; the Arcanists, rebels utilizing forbidden magic; the enigmatic Ten Thunders, a criminal organization with their mysterious agenda; the daring members of the Explorer’s Society, explorers and adventurers seeking knowledge and treasure; and the Outcasts, those who don’t fit within the established power structures—all found their place within this complex web of intrigue.

While the Guild maintained control on the surface, the city’s underbelly simmered with tension. Malifaux became a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. And lurking in the shadows, the Neverborn, the ancient inhabitants of Malifaux, patiently awaited their chance to reclaim what was once theirs.

In this strange and captivating world, the stage is set for epic battles, political manoeuvring, and a constant power struggle. Players take on the roles of leaders and heroes within these factions, each seeking to assert their influence and shape the destiny of Malifaux. The lines between good and evil blur and the consequences of one’s actions reverberate throughout this twisted realm.

Malifaux is a place where gunslingers duel against supernatural horrors, where technology intertwines with dark magic, and where secrets lie buried beneath layers of deceit. It is a world where fate hangs in the balance, and the choices made by its inhabitants will determine the course of its future.

The Game of Malifaux:

Malifaux, which launched in 2009 and is now in its third edition, introduces a unique resolution mechanic that sets it apart from other tabletop games. Instead of using dice, players flip cards to determine the outcome of actions. Each player has a Fate Deck, and when a model performs an attack or takes a tactical action, they flip a card and add relevant stats. Comparing totals, if the attack meets or exceeds the defender’s value, it hits. The use of cards introduces strategic elements such as “Cheat Fate” to replace a card with one from the player’s hand, manipulating the suits to trigger powerful effects and the unexpected twists of the Red and Black Jokers.

A game of Malifaux unfolds over five turns with alternating activations, emphasizing the importance of every action. Rather than focusing on kills, the game features a Strategy and a set of secret Schemes that players try to accomplish. Scoring points requires fulfilling scheme prerequisites and careful planning, adding depth and tension to each game. With small crew sizes and affordable models, Malifaux offers an accessible entry point for players. The game’s thematic crews, led by unique Masters, provide diverse playstyles and encourage strategic list construction.

Here are some key points and references:

1. Unique Resolution Mechanic:
   • Instead of using dice, players flip cards to determine the outcome of actions.
   • Each player has a Fate Deck, and when a model performs an attack or takes a tactical action, they flip a card and add relevant stats.
   • Comparing totals, if the attack meets or exceeds the defender’s value, it hits.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 14.
2. Strategic Elements:
   • The use of cards introduces strategic elements, such as “Cheat Fate,” which allows players to replace a card with one from their hand, manipulating the suits to trigger powerful effects.
   • The game features the unexpected twists of the Red and Black Jokers, adding excitement and unpredictability.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 14.
3. Five Turns and Alternating Activations:
   • A game of Malifaux unfolds over five turns, with players taking alternating activations.
   • This emphasizes the importance of every action and requires careful planning.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 24.
4. Strategy and Secret Schemes:
   • Malifaux focuses on more than just eliminating opponents; it features a Strategy and a set of secret Schemes that players try to accomplish.
   • Scoring points in the game requires fulfilling scheme prerequisites and careful planning, adding depth and tension to each game.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 28.
5. Accessible Entry Point:
   • Malifaux offers an accessible entry point for players with small crew sizes and affordable models.
   • This allows new players to get started without a significant investment.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 10.
6. Thematic Crews and Unique Masters:
   • The game’s thematic crews, led by unique Masters, provide diverse playstyles and encourage strategic list construction.
   • Each crew has its theme, playstyle, and strategies, allowing players to explore different approaches to the game.
   • Reference: Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook (2021), page 58.

By incorporating these unique mechanics, strategic elements, and diverse playstyles, Malifaux offers an immersive and engaging tabletop gaming experience for players of all skill levels.

Conclusion:

Malifaux stands as a testament to the fusion of style and gameplay in the world of miniatures games. Its Western-Gothic-Industrial-Steampunk-Horror setting creates a captivating atmosphere where players can assemble their crews of cool characters and engage in thrilling battles.

So what do I think well ‘With its imaginative rules, clever scenarios, and an abundance of thematic options, Malifaux offers a gaming experience that goes beyond simple mechanics. If you seek a tabletop game that combines genre mash-ups, immersive lore, and strategic decision-making, Malifaux is an excellent choice that will keep you enthralled for hours on end.’