Review: Oak & Iron Expansion Deck Vol1

The developers from Oak & Iron went right back to work on how they can improve their game as COVID-19 shut down most of the country. Normally the shuttering of local game stores would put game improvements on hold since no one is playing. However, the team at Firelock looked at how they can leverage technology and allow players to play this brand-new game in a safe environment. The Firelock team leveraged online “sandbox” platforms to allow players to enjoy the game despite being locked down and got to see what needed tweaking and what the community wanted to see added to the game.

The result was the Oak & Iron Expansion Deck Vol. 1, which adds even more flavor to the game and incorporates some of the errata that came out since the game’s initial release. This deck features 50 cards and includes 11 new Upgrades cards, 19 new generic Admiral cards, and reprints of cards that had errata in update 1.01.
Many of us saw when we played online that having a good Admiral leading your battlefleet was a key to success in Oak & Iron. Many of the named Admirals came at such a high point cost that some players did not fully utilize them in the game. Now with the Generic Admiral cards, a player can select from a number of Untested, Seasoned, and Experienced Admirals and gain their benefits at a much lower cost.

The generic cards affect so many of the mechanics of the game, such as the Brilliant Admiral who increases the skill level of their flagship, or the Inspiring Admiral which allows you to quickly lower the fatigue on your stressed-out ships. Players will immediately see how these new leaders make list building a bit easier since you do not have to sacrifice another upgrade to get the Admiral who will help you execute your battle plan.
The upgrade cards included in this pack are ones that every player needs to have to help them build that unbeatable force. These upgrades are all generic and cards such as “Marines” helps players who do not have access to cards such as the “Buccaneers” card. The card I just love and was asked for from the community is the “Dismantling Shot” upgrade, for a single point you can add an attack die to your pool when targeting the enemy’s rigging and accounts for specialized ammo such as a chain shot that hopes to disable your targets masts and sails.

Cards such as “Expert Topmen” and “Aggressive Crew” give your ships a dedicated specified free action which comes in handy in the thick of a fight. As I played the game online, I noticed that I had big decisions to make when declaring my crew actions, so having a card like these makes that decision much easier since you can board a ship or change your sail setting for free.
Two cards work together in the pack to give you a really neat option. You can use the ‘Supply Ship” upgrade for zero points which will allow you to use the “Double Rations” card in your activation hand. This card allows you to remove one point of fatigue from every ship in your command. From playing the game a bunch of times, I cannot tell you how much of a big deal this ability is. It does come at a cost, if this ship gets captured or put out of action you will get more Strike Points scored against you.
Not all of the cards in the deck increase the capabilities of your fleet. Cards such as “Poorly Armed”, “Untested Crew” or “Merchants” actually add points back to your point pool. These recapitalized points will weaken some of your ships but will allow you to afford better upgrades for other ships in your battle line.

One of the cards that I really like is the “Troop Transport” which allows you to lower your sails, anchor, and put a landing party on a landmass that is within Pistol Range. Some of the missions in the game do require landing parties and getting a ship to stop and place troops was a multi-turn endeavor. Now you can have a ship that is tailor-made to undertake such a mission.
Only three of the cards in the deck update what was in the 1.01 errata that came out over the summer and give players an updated Activation Deck and ship upgrades.
Firelock’s Oak & Iron Expansion Deck Vol1 was an unexpected addition to the game and came about due to what the community experienced and wanted in the game as we played online.

Few game developers expand their games so soon after initial release let alone listen to the gamers online. This shows that Oak & Iron will have the support from its developers and is sure to become a game that is enjoyed by many for years to come.

Pick your cards up right .