
- BGG rank
- BGG #11,290
- BGG rating
- 6.0
Heroes
- 2–4 players
- 20–30 min
- Complexity 2.3/5
- 2015

2022
Rules assistance for Iocus Arcanus
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Iocus Arcanus is a board game released in 2022 for 2–4 players, 30–90 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Narciso Lema and its main mechanics are Player Elimination, Dice Rolling, and Area Majority / Influence.
Iocus Arcanus is a family fantasy board game, based on the amazing world of AitiA. Every year, the magic apprentices must pass some tests that confirm their ability to continue with their arcane studies and become true mages. The great sages of Xrathgar, the Great Empire, thousands of years ago created three tests called The Trials of the Mages. The first trial is the Iocus Arcanus, a coliseum where the mages have no control over the magic and its luck that accompanies those destined to continue the path of the sages. The second trial, Draconis Arcanus, the search for the feather of the fenix dragon. And the last test, Arcanum Regem, the hardest and the one that really shows if the apprentices can lead the kingdom of Xrathgar. The First Trial is held in this crazy coliseum, where the arcane energy transforms from one type to another. The apprentices will obtain different knowledge and the one who is able to learn them all, will win this trial. Of course, the other apprentices will not let you win, throwing away your soul from the coliseum, geting you out of the trial. Simple rules, funny and full of magic, perfect for a family boardgame night! —description from the designer
Iocus Arcanus supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Iocus Arcanus is 30–90 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Iocus Arcanus for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Iocus Arcanus has a complexity rating of 1.7 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Iocus Arcanus belongs to these categories: Card Game, Fantasy, and Fighting. Its main mechanics are Player Elimination, Dice Rolling, and Area Majority / Influence. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Iocus Arcanus are: Narciso Lema. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Iocus Arcanus as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.