Before the Ash - Complete Guide

Game Overview

Before the Ash is a strategic city-builder with cards and hexagonal tiles, where you must develop Pompeii into a prosperous city before the inevitable eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Made for the Godot Wild Jam 79, this game combines resource management, strategic planning, and the looming threat of volcanic destruction.

Key Features

  • Card-based building system
  • Resource management and generation
  • Faith as a special currency
  • Dynamic fire management
  • Race against time mechanics
  • One-handed gameplay design

Core Game Mechanics

Building System

  • Use cards to place buildings on hexagonal tiles
  • Buildings generate resources at regular intervals
  • Higher-tier buildings require more resources but offer better yields
  • Receive free building cards at the start of each new day

Resource Management

  • Basic resources are generated by standard buildings
  • Faith is a special resource generated by rare buildings (blue border cards)
  • Use Faith to purchase cards from the Shop
  • Balance resource generation with building placement

Vesuvius Eruptions

  • The volcano erupts periodically, causing fires
  • Fires can spread to adjacent tiles
  • Extinguishing fires generates Faith
  • Final eruption ends the game - maximize score before then

Strategy Guide

Early Game Strategy

  • Focus on placing basic resource-generating buildings first
  • Prioritize buildings that generate resources quickly
  • Keep some space between buildings to prevent fire spread
  • Start collecting Faith early through fire management

Mid Game Optimization

  • Use Faith to purchase strategic cards from the Shop
  • Create efficient building clusters while maintaining fire safety
  • Balance between expanding territory and upgrading existing areas
  • Maintain a good ratio of basic to rare buildings

Score Maximization

  • Place buildings strategically to maximize points
  • Focus on rare buildings for higher scores
  • Actively extinguish fires to gain both Faith and points
  • Maintain consistent resource generation

Advanced Tips

Fire Management: Create fire breaks between building clusters to prevent widespread damage. Use the natural spread of fire to clear areas strategically.

Resource Optimization: Plan your building placement to create efficient resource generation chains. Consider the timing of resource generation when placing new buildings.

Faith Generation: Balance between using rare buildings and extinguishing fires for Faith generation. Time your Shop purchases strategically.

Layout Planning: Create a flexible layout that can be expanded in multiple directions. Leave space for future high-value buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical game last?

A typical game session lasts about 10-15 minutes, ending with the final eruption of Vesuvius.

What's a good score to aim for?

A score above 3000 is considered good, while experienced players can aim for 5000+.

How do I get more Faith?

Faith can be generated by rare buildings (blue border cards) and by extinguishing fires. Focus on both methods for optimal Faith generation.

Can I prevent the final eruption?

No, the final eruption is inevitable. The goal is to build the most prosperous city possible before it occurs.

Controls Reference

  • Left Click: Select cards and place buildings / Extinguish fires
  • Right Click: Exit build mode
  • C Key: Toggle CRT effect
  • Mouse Movement: Navigate the game area