Head to head
Plotters, Inc. or Arcs
To help you decide
Why you'd pick each one
Plotters, Inc.
- Less well known, if you want something off the beaten track.
- Easier to teach and to get to the table: 1.9 vs 3.5 in weight.
- Plays in 60 minutes against 90.
- Handles up to 6 players.
- Works with younger players: 10+ against 14+.
Arcs
- Better rated on BoardGameGeek: 8.0 vs 6.8.
- Far more played: 18,648 ratings against 405.
- Meatier, if you want something to chew on.
- Fills a long session, if you have the whole evening.
- Brings hand management and variable player powers, which the other one doesn't have.
The numbers, side by side
| Data point | Plotters, Inc. | Arcs |
|---|---|---|
| BGG rating | 6.8 | 8.0 Better rated |
| Ratings | 405 | 18,648 |
| Players | 4–6 | 2–4 |
| Playing time | 60 min | 60–120 min |
| Complexity | 1.9 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
| Age | 10+ | 14+ |
| Year | 1999 | 2024 |
Only the rating gets a winner mark. A shorter or lighter game isn't a better one: it depends on what you're after.
Ratings and catalogue data are attributed to BoardGameGeek.