Board Game Arena

I'm not a guru, so I'm wondering what the Arena format is for Season 24 as it begins in 2 days because I've gotten the results for S24's format for a few other games by being a guru in those games.

Did 2P random map, prelude, no colonies get chosen?

I am also not a guru, and I'm not sure, but I think I saw a thread on reddit... next season is 2p random map. For those who don't enjoy Hellas (like me), I guess that's better? Have fun everyone!

It is random indeed, which is great - hopefully lots of people will play arena, this is basically the perfect format

rambling_coherently wrote: ↑14 January 2026, 23:12 It is random indeed, which is great - hopefully lots of people will play arena, this is basically the perfect format

I wouldn't say that. Having many cards greatly increases the threshold for entering the arena, as few people know all the available maps well. The arena is a more competitive mode than the usual one, and therefore players who do not want to lose on unfamiliar maps may not play. I am one of them - I would try to climb higher on tharsis, but I am far from reaching the same level on other maps. That's why I'm skipping this season and potentially the next ones.

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 00:32

rambling_coherently wrote: ↑14 January 2026, 23:12 It is random indeed, which is great - hopefully lots of people will play arena, this is basically the perfect format

I wouldn't say that. Having many cards greatly increases the threshold for entering the arena, as few people know all the available maps well. The arena is a more competitive mode than the usual one, and therefore players who do not want to lose on unfamiliar maps may not play. I am one of them - I would try to climb higher on tharsis, but I am far from reaching the same level on other maps. That's why I'm skipping this season and potentially the next ones.

I recommend friendly mode games on the other maps.

I'm generally willing to play.

FrankJones wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 03:59

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 00:32

rambling_coherently wrote: ↑14 January 2026, 23:12 It is random indeed, which is great - hopefully lots of people will play arena, this is basically the perfect format

I wouldn't say that. Having many cards greatly increases the threshold for entering the arena, as few people know all the available maps well. The arena is a more competitive mode than the usual one, and therefore players who do not want to lose on unfamiliar maps may not play. I am one of them - I would try to climb higher on tharsis, but I am far from reaching the same level on other maps. That's why I'm skipping this season and potentially the next ones.

I recommend friendly mode games on the other maps.

I'm generally willing to play.

I'm currently focused on wingspan, but I'll be happy to play with you when I take a break from it.

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 04:07

FrankJones wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 03:59

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 00:32

I wouldn't say that. Having many cards greatly increases the threshold for entering the arena, as few people know all the available maps well. The arena is a more competitive mode than the usual one, and therefore players who do not want to lose on unfamiliar maps may not play. I am one of them - I would try to climb higher on tharsis, but I am far from reaching the same level on other maps. That's why I'm skipping this season and potentially the next ones.

I recommend friendly mode games on the other maps.

I'm generally willing to play.

I'm currently focused on wingspan, but I'll be happy to play with you when I take a break from it.

Wingspan !??? IS that old game still around ?

Just kidding...
I'm trying to get to 500; I reached 494 and lost, now I'm within range.

I just looked at your profile, impressive. at least 6 games of 500+ Elo, and one in which you would be world #2 if you were active.

FrankJones wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 04:15

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 04:07

FrankJones wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 03:59

I recommend friendly mode games on the other maps.

I'm generally willing to play.

I'm currently focused on wingspan, but I'll be happy to play with you when I take a break from it.

Wingspan !??? IS that old game still around ?

Just kidding...
I'm trying to get to 500; I reached 494 and lost, now I'm within range.

I just looked at your profile, impressive. at least 6 games of 500+ Elo, and one in which you would be world #2 if you were active.

Thank you! I was also an expert in 7 Wonders for a very short time, but I've lost interest in the game lately.

I only became an expert in wingspan two days ago and I hope you will break this barrier soon too.

I once counted 7 wonders among my favorite games, but, similar to what you said, it lost some of its luster for me. Part of it is I just don't like 3+ player games on BGA. The other part is I do not think the starting factions are well balanced, but I have yet to learn the changes that were made to rebalance. I still think it's a fine game, and I might play it at some point (zero plays so far here), but I prefer to focus on one or two games at time.

Right now, those two are "Earth" and "Wingspan".

I'm also mildly irked that I fell below 500 in Terraforming Mars, since I am an admin for the bug forum page for TFM! So, I want to get back to 500 there. Well, ideally higher, but I don't seem to be good enough to do so. !

Andrei3009 wrote: ↑15 January 2026, 00:32

rambling_coherently wrote: ↑14 January 2026, 23:12 It is random indeed, which is great - hopefully lots of people will play arena, this is basically the perfect format

I wouldn't say that. Having many cards greatly increases the threshold for entering the arena, as few people know all the available maps well. The arena is a more competitive mode than the usual one, and therefore players who do not want to lose on unfamiliar maps may not play. I am one of them - I would try to climb higher on tharsis, but I am far from reaching the same level on other maps. That's why I'm skipping this season and potentially the next ones.

You do you, it's literally the perfect time to learn the other maps