Hey all,

This is my third COMC post. My collection has evolved quite a bit since the last time, and I’m excited to share yet again my updated 9 game coolection 😛

https://preview.redd.it/vag1xv2muvge1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f75246244bc58ef6afe2fbb2a0f59695bb79978

In my previous post, over a year ago, my collection looked different, and this is how it has changed:
https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/1bzmwwp/comc_sharing_my_top_9_game_collection/

As my tastes have shifted, I thought it would be interesting to once again share the criteria that guide my game choices:

– Replayability is key – I’m all about games that offer variety with every playthrough. I vastly prefer gameplay variety over content variety.
– Asymmetric player powers – I love games where each player has a unique experience and strategy.
– 1 game for every occasion/mood/player count – I try to select games that fit the occasion and the group while also keeping titles for every player count.
– game nights with a "main course" – I don’t enjoy filler games, and I like having a meaty title to dig into.
– Competitive games are my jam – I love games where everyone plays to win, and those that promote an evolving meta after each play.
– I keep my collection lean – I try to keep my games to under 10 titles because I love mastering games rather than constantly adding new ones. I typically play once a week or less, so having a tight collection works best for me.

Wishlist/Preorders:

– After a long time my wishlist is empty. 2 kickstarters which I'm waiting impatiently to be delivered are Regicide legacy and Root homeland expansion.

My new Top 9:

1. Root – Still my holy grail and an absolute favorite. The mix of strategy and politics is unparalleled. Won my first local tournament and can't wait for the next. My quest to become a Root Grandmaster continues—Lizard main for life.
2. Ark Nova – This one’s my go-to crunchy game. I’ve easily put over 100 plays into it (thanks BGA!), and I continue to try different strategies every time. The depth is just incredible. It reminds me of roguelike video games where you trying to solve the same puzzle every time by using new pieces/tools.
3. Dune: Imperium – Uprising – This is a fantastic addition as a mid-weight hybrid game. I liked the original Dune: Imperium, but I feel like uprising adds more interaction and makes the puzzle more tight which I love. It’s got the perfect mix of deck-building, worker placement, and area control.
4. Arcs – This game blew me away. It’s a space-themed strategy game that mixes different mechanics so seamlessly. I love how each decision feels meaningful, and every game feels so different depending on how players interact.
5. Blood on the Clocktower – This is still the king of social deduction games for me. The stories created in each session are so rich, and it’s a game that lingers long after you’ve played. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
6. Barrage – This is my favorite economic game right now. The puzzle of building an efficient energy network while competing with others for resources is intense, and the contracts and the powers from the advanced tiles are incredibly satisfying. It fills the spot of the "heavy game" in my collection.
7. Heat: Pedal to the Metal – A perfect quick yet strategic racing game. It’s simple to understand but offers a ton of depth with the way you manage speed, cards, and the track especially when you add the garage module. It’s been a great addition for more casual game nights.
8. Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy – My favorite 4x game. I still love the deep progression system and the vastness of the game. There’s something so addictive about building up your empire and ships, and it remains a staple for my space strategy fix.
9. Project: ELITE – This is my miniatures game! The real-time action and frantic pace keeps everyone on edge. It's perfect when you want a more intense, action-packed game night.

Let me know what you think! Always happy to hear your thoughts or recommendations.