How to Play Gnomes vs Capybaras: Woodland War — Complete Beginner's Guide

So the box is open. The dice are on the table. Your opponent is eyeing you from across the forest (or kitchen table, as the case may be). You've chosen your side — now what?

This guide covers everything you need to play Gnomes vs Capybaras: Woodland War from your very first game. Factions, setup, turn structure, how to win — it's all here.

What Is Gnomes vs Capybaras: Woodland War?

Gnomes vs Capybaras: Woodland War is a whimsical strategy card game for 2–4 players, ages 12 and up. Two factions — the obsessively strategic gnomes and the deceptively chill capybaras — battle for control of a magical forest. Players collect resources, complete missions, deploy tactical cards, and outwit opponents to claim dominion over the woodland realm.

Each game takes about 45–60 minutes and feels different every time thanks to the event deck and randomized mission cards.

Choosing Your Faction

Before anything else, every player picks a faction. This is the most important decision in the game — not because one faction is stronger (they're not), but because they play very differently.

The Gnomes

Gnomes are planners. Their cards reward careful resource management and long-term strategy. Gnome players tend to build slowly and then overwhelm opponents with precision. If you love chess, engineering, or overthinking everything — gnomes are your people.

The Capybaras

Capybaras are diplomats. Their strength is adaptability and disruption. They can de-escalate conflicts, steal influence, and flip the board when opponents least expect it. If you enjoy surprise twists, social dynamics, and winning through calm chaos — welcome to the capybara side.

Game Setup

Setup takes about 5 minutes. Here's what to do:

• Each player chooses a faction and takes their faction deck (gnome or capybara cards)

• Shuffle your faction deck and draw your starting hand of 5 cards

• Place the Mission Card deck face-down in the center of the table and flip 3 face up

• Place the Event Card deck beside it

• Each player starts with 3 Crystals, 3 Berries, and 1 Courage token (the three core resources)

• The youngest player goes first

How to Play a Turn

Each turn has three phases:

1. Draw Phase: Draw 2 cards from your faction deck.

2. Action Phase: Play up to 2 cards from your hand. Cards can collect resources, attack opponents, complete missions, trigger diplomacy, or play events.

3. End Phase: Discard down to 7 cards if needed, then roll the Fate die. The Fate die can trigger bonus effects, curses, or woodland events.

The Three Resources

Almost everything in the game costs resources. There are three:

• Crystals — used for strategic and building cards. Gnomes love crystals.

• Berries — used for diplomatic and healing cards. Capybaras hoard berries.

• Courage — used for combat and mission cards. Both factions need it equally.

How to Win

The first player to complete 5 Mission Cards wins the game. Missions range from resource goals ("Collect 10 Crystals") to combat objectives ("Win 3 battles") to diplomatic achievements ("Negotiate a truce twice in one game").

Alternatively, if you reduce an opponent's hand to zero cards and they cannot draw, they're eliminated. Last faction standing also wins.

Strategy Tips for New Players

• Don't ignore diplomacy — even as gnomes. A well-timed truce can save you when you're behind on resources.

• Missions first. Combat is satisfying but missions win games. Keep an eye on the mission board every turn.

• Watch the Fate die. Some of the most powerful game-changing moments come from Fate rolls, not planned moves.

• Hoard Courage. It's the most versatile resource in the game and players who run out often lose momentum fast.

Ready to Play?

Gnomes vs Capybaras: Woodland War is available now at gnomesvscapybaras.com. Every copy sold supports art programs for children — so when the forest wins, kids win too.

Have questions about the rules? Drop them in the comments below. The woodland war awaits.