Red North – Secrets and Steel in the Snowbound War

Call of the Fjords

Red North is a fast-paced board game combining bluffing and strategy, released in 2025 by Mighty Boards. This is a reworked edition of the earlier game Saer, redesigned for a more dynamic and strategically rich gameplay. It is intended for 2–4 players aged 16 and above. Updated outposts, new deities, and a faster game pace make Red North more flexible than its predecessor while retaining the clarity and straightforwardness of the card-based format.

The setting is the northern lands, where clans compete for influence over key forts. The theme draws on Viking folklore, blending historical raids with myths about gods who influence the outcome. In each round, players secretly assemble squads and send them to capture selected locations. Results are revealed simultaneously, creating sudden reversals and constant battles for initiative. A game lasts about 30 minutes, providing just enough room for risk and planning to make the experience engaging without overloading players.

The Viking’s Path: Cunning and Steel

At the heart of Red North is the hidden placement of cards representing warriors of different ranks. Each player receives a limited set of forces and decides how to distribute them across multiple attack routes. The goal is to capture outposts that provide both immediate and long-term advantages.

Placement of squads occurs simultaneously, making it impossible to know in advance where the main conflict will unfold. A strong squad can secure victory, but revealing it may fully expose your strategy. Conversely, a weaker presence can sometimes yield unexpected benefits if opponents decide to clash elsewhere.

In this edition, outposts have unique abilities that can influence force distribution in future rounds. Some provide hybrid bonuses, useful even without full control of the location. This raises the stakes when choosing targets: it’s important not just to win, but to seize locations that will give advantages later.

The final round — Ragnarok — is the climax of the game. Remaining forces are used, and everything is decided in one moment. Players who spent resources aggressively early on may find themselves disadvantaged, while those who conserved forces risk missing opportunities during the game. Balance is key to success.

Twilight of the Gods – The Coming of Ragnarok

Red North doesn’t require complex tables or deep mathematical analysis, but it rewards careful observation. The level of psychological pressure is higher than it seems at first glance.

Several factors guide strategic decisions:

1. Resource Management
   Warrior cards are your primary capital. Mistakes in one round can have long-term consequences. The game teaches players to plan not only for the current round but also for the overall pace: when to push forward and when to simply prevent opponents from gaining too much advantage.

2. Bluffing and Concealing Intentions
   Victory doesn’t always go to the strongest player, but to the one who best anticipates opponents’ moves. Playing a medium-strength card and letting others clash can be a viable tactic. Waiting until opponents reveal their strong squads and then striking decisively also works.

3. Choosing Outposts
   Each location has value, but its strength depends on context. Some provide immediate advantages, others serve as strategic tools for later rounds. Controlling the right outpost not only increases your chances of success but also puts pressure on your rivals.

4. Preparing for Ragnarok
   The final round is like a mini-match within the game. All prior actions are a prelude. Victory goes to the player who managed resources wisely while maintaining control over key locations.

Expedition Summary

Red North demonstrates a rare combination of compactness and depth. The game is easy to learn but offers enough space for analysis, observation, and calculated risks. It’s ideal for those who enjoy fast games where every move counts. Its short duration allows for multiple rounds in a row, and the unpredictability of outcomes makes rematches especially compelling.

Who Will Brave the Fjords

Who will dare to become the fearless jarl, ready for swift raids where the fog of war hides the blades of rivals:

• Players who enjoy fast rounds with hidden decisions.

• Those who value bluffing, risk, and anticipating opponents.

• Groups looking for a compact, conflict-driven game lasting 20–40 minutes.

• Fans of card duels and tense, interactive gameplay.

• Anyone seeking a game that is easy to learn but highly replayable.

• Those who appreciate Scandinavian history and its epic tales.

Red North invites you into a world where every decision is a stake and every round a test of your cunning. If you are ready to fight for control of the northern outposts, where victory balances on risk and intuition — step into the game and prove that the North belongs to you.

Your rivals are already plotting. Join the battle on Tabletopia.