The North Sea connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the English Channel in the south and the Norwegian Sea in the north. The prevailing westerly winds in the region contribute to the formation of strong and unpredictable currents, causing turbulent waters. It is in this setting that Beacon Patrol takes place.
In this game, 1-4 players work together or solo to explore the turbulent waters and inspect vital lighthouses and buoys. Players move their wooden ships through the water by placing the tiles, which contain lighthouses, buoys, waterways and land in the most advantageous way that earns points by connecting tiles in patterns that surround them on all four sides.
The strategic challenge is that as tiles are connected, ships must be able to move onto the newly connected tiles through a connected waterway. Because tiles also contain land patterns, they must be placed with clear waterway paths, as ships must be able to move to the tile that is newly placed. Tiles that cannot be placed are discarded.
The game ends when all tiles have been placed or discarded. Earn 3 points for surrounding lighthouses, 2 points for surrounded buoy tiles and 1 point for all other tiles that are surrounded on all four sides.
There are two mini expansions included in the box. Game play only takes around 20 minutes, and this small box challenge is great for travel as well!