Board Game Mechanics: Set Collection

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Do you like collecting things? It’s satisfying to complete your set of state coins, find that rare stamp, or add one more figurine to the shelf. Or, maybe you would like to collect things, but it takes too much space and funding.

Fortunately, set collection board games allow you to collect to your heart’s desire for very little space or cost. Many modern board games use the set collection mechanic, and it’s quite straightforward to understand. Learn how it works below. Then, check out our favorite set collection board games.

Set Collection in Board Games

Set collection is almost exactly what you think it would be in board games. In set collection board games, players collect pieces in the game to make a set of them. These pieces can be anything, but they are usually cards or tiles. Completing sets will earn players extra points, which in turn will help them to win the game.

These sets can score you points either by having a specific number of them or by having the most. Sushi Go! Party models this well. In the “My First Meal” deck, you can earn points by having sets of tempura or sets of sashimi. The tempura set must come in pairs to score, while you have to have three sashimi cards to complete a set. Maki, on the other hand, simply requires having the most. If you play the most maki rolls, then you’ll earn extra points.

While many games use the set collection mechanic, not all games focus on it. Instead, other mechanics come into play. Again, Sushi Go! Party is a great example. It’s primarily known as a drafting game since that’s how the play moves. However, it is also a set collection game because that’s why players choose certain cards during the drafting phase.

Think of set collection like this: other mechanics usually answer the how of playing a game. Set collection often answers the why behind particular choices.

5 Set Collection Board Games for Newer Players

Set collection is so popular and enjoyable, many games feature this mechanic. This list only scratches the surface of the possibilities. The ones here rank well on Board Game Geek by players like you. They also happen to be some of our personal favorites.

Ticket to Ride

Set collection in its purest form, Ticket to Ride will help you understand this mechanic in no time. Players draw cards to get sets of train colors. Once they have a completed set, they can play the cards to claim a “route.” A completed set will consist of anywhere from 2 to 6 cards of one color. Players may also use wild cards, or “locomotives” to complete their route.

This set collection game is so popular, there are many expansions, maps, and a children’s version you can enjoy, too.

Azul

In Azul, players will work to make the most beautiful and complete tile mosaic wall they possibly can. They do this by collecting tiles from decorative circles called “factory displays” and placing them in the row of their choosing. If they complete the row with a set, then they will score a tile for that row.

Like Sushi Go! Party, this game also relies on drafting for the “how” of the game, while focusing on set collection for the “why.”

Splendor

Players aim to create a thriving gem-trading business in Splendor. To do this, players must collect gem tokens and gem cards, which will allow them to buy more valuable cards along the way. Nobles may come to visit their thriving business if they collect enough of certain sets, and this may help a player win the game.

Set collection appears in two ways in Splendor. First, players can collect tokens. Second, players can collect cards. While tokens can only be used once when collected, cards have reoccurring benefits. That makes them more powerful… and more expensive.

Pandemic

Panic and chaos have spread among citizens of the world as diseases attempt to kill the entire population of Earth!

The players of Pandemic must stop this catastrophe by working together and collecting sets of cards to “cure” diseases. The sets must match the color of the diseases they cure. Then, players can play a set of five cards while at a research station to cure that disease.

If they manage to cure all four diseases before any one of them becomes too widespread, then they win! Otherwise, the world may be doomed.

Tokaido

Players travel along the Tokaido road in this beautiful set collection board game.

Known as a “point salad” game, you can earn points by collecting sets of almost anything in this game. Having the largest sets of certain kinds of cards will get you bonuses at the end of the game. You can also earn sets to complete panoramas, or you can buy sets of souvenirs.

Tokaido truly is a set collector’s dream.

Many popular games, such as Terraforming Mars and Spirit Island, also use set collection. If you are already familiar with the games above, check out these more in-depth options.

Set collection is everywhere in board games. It’s straightforward and fun! Again, many more board games feature set collection. These offer a great place to start.

What are your favorite set collection board games?