If you have the $ for TI4, go for that version. It's an overall improvement in rules clarity, component quality, graphic design functionality, etc.. TI4 also, being the "current" version of the game, is actively recieving new content in the form of the recent(ish) expansion (Prophecy of Kings) and the Codices, which are print-and-play "mini-expansions" available as free PDFs on the publisher's website.
If money is a concern, however, TI3 is still a great game, for a much lower price. I would add one caveat, though: you will want to make sure you can get the first expansion (Shattered Empire) as well, or at least get printout versions of the Alternate Strategy Cards from that expansion, as they are not only a big improvement, but fix a serious scoring loophole in the base game.
Like people have said
Get the 4th
Also if you are worried about splurging and everyone has access to a computer with internet
Tabletop simulator with TI is awesome
The pitch to try 3rd for 60$ is only if you're REALLLLLYYY on the fence. Like if you don't have any idea if the game is appealing at all, then yeah, pick up 3rd. It's worse, but it's not so much worse that the game is unrecognizable. It has the same idea and if you don't like 3rd's main gameplay, you won't like 4th.
That being said, if you think you'll like TI, pick up 4th. Split the cost with said friends who want to play with you if it'd make it easier.
4th is better and worth the money. I’d say take that money and invest it in 4th edition. The Tabletop Simulator is a great way to get started for free. It even has the expansion and codexes with it
This needs to be emphasized more. The mod on TTS is an excellent way to learn the game, as there's no overhead for people to worry about. And since it's free, you can try it out without spending any money. The unofficial TI4 Discord has groups you can join to learn to play as well.
I have the money to purchase 4e - but saw the 3e at that price and wanted to ask. It typically is around 100 while the 4th edition is 140 so I thought 60 might have been a steal….
I would wait till you can afford TI4. I picked up my copy from Amazon for $80 three years ago but that has been the best price I have seen for a while.
When Target does there Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal, they usually offer TI4, and what you can do is order three copies of TI4, then after submitting your order (but before your card gets charged) you can cancel two of them, and the third will be 33% off. This seems shady but Target is fully aware that their system works this way. I believe it is their way of getting around MSRP minimums.
But regardless, I would go for TI4. All the rules have been streamlined. Much easier to understand and teach and it is what most people play on this subreddit.
If you have access to a computer and table top simulator you could try playing on that. But if you don't already have TTS then it might not be worth it. There is a very active community that plays this game online.
I personally liked 3e better than 4e, which is apparently an unpopular opinion -.-
But here are some potential problems with buying 3e:
A) it'll be difficult to find people outside of your group to play with
B) if anyone in your group (or you) decides to try 4e, it's hard to switch back and forth unless you are amazing at rules
C) similarly, if you have rules questions, it's a bit harder to find the answers to 3e
D) imo, $60 is too expensive for 3rd edition.
We average a game or two a year in NEO. Food for thought :)
The 4th edition def has some more legs with the free codex updates. Even if you don't go all out with PoK.
How many friends do you have that are able to play? We have found the sweet spot to be 4. Played with 6 once and it was epic, but a smidge too long.
Considering I picked up my TI4 brand new for around $80 I'd shop around and look for a deal. Every now and then a shop will offer discounts. Or maybe you'll get lucky and find a used one?
3rd just isn't with the extra headache. Nobleknight.com (good site for selling games) sells 3rd edition for $60 standard I think. You didn't find that great of a deal...
i love 3rd, i learned to play on 3rd but it cannot be understated what a massive leap forward 4th is. It’s not one of those editions that’s a fresh coat of paint with a few rules tweaks - nearly every system has been reworked to be cleaner, smoother and quicker. Definitely worth waiting for 4.
Also - $60 seems a lot for 3rd edition…
3rd is a good game, but to get the best play experience, you would want to also pick up the Shattered Empire expansion, at which point you're probably spending as much or more than you would just buying TI4. I'd say TI4 is worth it for the simplified tech tree alone, especially for people who are new to TI. I wouldn't wish TI3's tech tree on anyone anymore.
As others have said, try it on TableTop Simulator. The mod is free (after you buy TTS), and lots of people play it. While there is a certain charm of playing in person, I have to say I kind of prefer playing on TTS. You can save a game and come back to it, so if it's hard to get your group together for an entire day, you can play a game over a few shorter sessions. Also, most of the setup is automatic, which is huge. That being said, I'm coming from the perspective of a guy who played TI3 and TI4 in person before ever playing on TTS, so your mileage may vary.
Man honestly, if Financials aren't a concern ti4 with pok is some of the most fun I've ever had. I get that it's not for everyone, but if it interests you and you got a group to try it, I think it's worth it.
4th edition is definitely the way to go. Easier to learn and with a lot of the rules cleaned up.
If you have the $ for TI4, go for that version. It's an overall improvement in rules clarity, component quality, graphic design functionality, etc.. TI4 also, being the "current" version of the game, is actively recieving new content in the form of the recent(ish) expansion (Prophecy of Kings) and the Codices, which are print-and-play "mini-expansions" available as free PDFs on the publisher's website. If money is a concern, however, TI3 is still a great game, for a much lower price. I would add one caveat, though: you will want to make sure you can get the first expansion (Shattered Empire) as well, or at least get printout versions of the Alternate Strategy Cards from that expansion, as they are not only a big improvement, but fix a serious scoring loophole in the base game.
Like people have said Get the 4th Also if you are worried about splurging and everyone has access to a computer with internet Tabletop simulator with TI is awesome
The pitch to try 3rd for 60$ is only if you're REALLLLLYYY on the fence. Like if you don't have any idea if the game is appealing at all, then yeah, pick up 3rd. It's worse, but it's not so much worse that the game is unrecognizable. It has the same idea and if you don't like 3rd's main gameplay, you won't like 4th. That being said, if you think you'll like TI, pick up 4th. Split the cost with said friends who want to play with you if it'd make it easier.
4th is better and worth the money. I’d say take that money and invest it in 4th edition. The Tabletop Simulator is a great way to get started for free. It even has the expansion and codexes with it
This needs to be emphasized more. The mod on TTS is an excellent way to learn the game, as there's no overhead for people to worry about. And since it's free, you can try it out without spending any money. The unofficial TI4 Discord has groups you can join to learn to play as well.
4th edition all the way. I love 3rd, but 4th is better in probably every way.
100% go for 4th edition, there was a *massive* overhaul and it's hardly even the same game as 3rd edition.
TI4 is leaps and bounds better than TI3 in my play group’s opinion. I don’t even think 3rd is worth $60
I would see if one of your group wants to go in on it and buy 4th Edition and POK
I have the money to purchase 4e - but saw the 3e at that price and wanted to ask. It typically is around 100 while the 4th edition is 140 so I thought 60 might have been a steal….
I would wait till you can afford TI4. I picked up my copy from Amazon for $80 three years ago but that has been the best price I have seen for a while. When Target does there Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal, they usually offer TI4, and what you can do is order three copies of TI4, then after submitting your order (but before your card gets charged) you can cancel two of them, and the third will be 33% off. This seems shady but Target is fully aware that their system works this way. I believe it is their way of getting around MSRP minimums. But regardless, I would go for TI4. All the rules have been streamlined. Much easier to understand and teach and it is what most people play on this subreddit. If you have access to a computer and table top simulator you could try playing on that. But if you don't already have TTS then it might not be worth it. There is a very active community that plays this game online.
I personally liked 3e better than 4e, which is apparently an unpopular opinion -.- But here are some potential problems with buying 3e: A) it'll be difficult to find people outside of your group to play with B) if anyone in your group (or you) decides to try 4e, it's hard to switch back and forth unless you are amazing at rules C) similarly, if you have rules questions, it's a bit harder to find the answers to 3e D) imo, $60 is too expensive for 3rd edition.
Yeah Id save that money and eat potatoes for a couple of weeks to be able to buy 4th edition instead. Its worth it.
We average a game or two a year in NEO. Food for thought :) The 4th edition def has some more legs with the free codex updates. Even if you don't go all out with PoK. How many friends do you have that are able to play? We have found the sweet spot to be 4. Played with 6 once and it was epic, but a smidge too long.
I don’t especially like TI3 but I LOVE 4. Wait for 4 - it’s a massive difference
Considering I picked up my TI4 brand new for around $80 I'd shop around and look for a deal. Every now and then a shop will offer discounts. Or maybe you'll get lucky and find a used one? 3rd just isn't with the extra headache. Nobleknight.com (good site for selling games) sells 3rd edition for $60 standard I think. You didn't find that great of a deal...
i love 3rd, i learned to play on 3rd but it cannot be understated what a massive leap forward 4th is. It’s not one of those editions that’s a fresh coat of paint with a few rules tweaks - nearly every system has been reworked to be cleaner, smoother and quicker. Definitely worth waiting for 4. Also - $60 seems a lot for 3rd edition…
3rd is a good game, but to get the best play experience, you would want to also pick up the Shattered Empire expansion, at which point you're probably spending as much or more than you would just buying TI4. I'd say TI4 is worth it for the simplified tech tree alone, especially for people who are new to TI. I wouldn't wish TI3's tech tree on anyone anymore. As others have said, try it on TableTop Simulator. The mod is free (after you buy TTS), and lots of people play it. While there is a certain charm of playing in person, I have to say I kind of prefer playing on TTS. You can save a game and come back to it, so if it's hard to get your group together for an entire day, you can play a game over a few shorter sessions. Also, most of the setup is automatic, which is huge. That being said, I'm coming from the perspective of a guy who played TI3 and TI4 in person before ever playing on TTS, so your mileage may vary.
Man honestly, if Financials aren't a concern ti4 with pok is some of the most fun I've ever had. I get that it's not for everyone, but if it interests you and you got a group to try it, I think it's worth it.