Graverobber (Dark Ages)

Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Graverobber:

Graverobber Strategy Guide

Introduction Graverobber is a versatile $5 Action card from Dark Ages that offers two distinct abilities: trash retrieval and trash-for-benefit upgrading. Its flexibility makes it a potentially powerful card, but using it effectively requires careful consideration of the kingdom context and timing.

Core Functions

1. Trash Recovery Mode
2. Recovers cards costing $3-$6 from the trash
3. Places recovered card on top of your deck
4. Doesn't require trashing a card from hand

5. Can retrieve cards trashed by any player

6. Upgrading Mode

7. Trashes an Action card from your hand
8. Gains a card costing up to $3 more
9. Similar to Remodel but Action-specific and more generous

Key Strengths

1. Flexibility
2. Two distinct modes provide adaptability
3. Can switch between modes as needed

4. Useful throughout different game phases

5. Top-deck Placement

6. Recovery mode puts cards directly on deck
7. Provides deck control element

8. Guarantees next-turn access

9. Generous Upgrade Margin

10. +$3 cost difference is significant
11. Allows meaningful upgrades

12. Can convert mid-cost cards into powerful ones

13. Multi-player Interaction

14. Can recover cards trashed by opponents
15. Benefits from others' trashing strategies
16. Creates interesting table dynamics

Strategic Considerations

1. Early Game Usage

Early game Graverobber is primarily useful in its upgrading mode: - Can upgrade early $2-$3 Actions into more valuable cards - Generally avoid recovery mode early (empty/low-value trash) - Consider opening with Graverobber if kingdom has good upgrade targets

Early Targets: - Upgrade Shelters into more valuable cards - Convert cheap cantrips into mid-cost engine pieces - Transform early game actions into key $5-$6 cards

1. Mid Game Usage

Mid game is when Graverobber becomes most versatile: - Both modes become viable - Trash typically contains useful cards - Upgrade path remains valuable

Key Decisions: - Balance between recovery and upgrading - Monitor trash content carefully - Consider opponents' trashing patterns

1. Late Game Usage

Late game focuses shift: - Recovery becomes more prominent - Upgrade valuable for converting dead cards - Can help recover key cards trashed earlier

Priority Considerations: - Recovering victory cards - Converting dead actions into points - Maintaining engine functionality

Optimal Usage Strategies

1. Trash Monitoring
2. Regularly check trash contents
3. Track valuable cards that get trashed

4. Consider future recovery opportunities

5. Mode Selection Key factors for choosing mode:

6. Current hand composition
7. Trash contents
8. Deck needs
9. Game phase

10. Opponent strategies

11. Timing Considerations

12. Recovery timing affects next turn
13. Upgrade timing depends on hand
14. Consider shuffle timing
15. Plan sequences with other actions

Synergies and Combinations

1. Trashing Synergies Cards that complement Graverobber:
2. Chapel: Creates recovery targets
3. Trading Post: Fills trash with good cards
4. Forager: Shares trash interaction

5. Altar: Creates valuable trash targets

6. Action-Heavy Support Cards that enhance Graverobber's upgrade mode:

7. Village variants: Provide extra actions
8. Throne Room effects: Double usage
9. Card draw: Finds upgrade fodder

10. Action-giving cards: Enable multiple uses

11. Top-Deck Interaction Cards that work well with recovery mode:

12. Laboratory variants: Draw recovered cards
13. Throne Room effects: Multiple recoveries
14. Scout-like effects: Stack deck advantageously

Counter-Strategies

1. Opposing Graverobber
2. Minimize valuable trashing
3. Compete for good trash targets
4. Consider trash-order timing

5. Watch opponent's deck cycling

6. Weaknesses to Consider

7. Requires trash content for recovery
8. Needs Action cards for upgrading
9. Can be awkward without proper support
10. Vulnerable to shuffle timing

Kingdom Considerations

1. Favorable Kingdoms Graverobber shines with:
2. Multiple valuable $3-$6 cards
3. Strong trashing presence
4. Action-heavy strategies
5. Clear upgrade paths

6. Multiple $5+ prizes

7. Unfavorable Kingdoms Avoid heavy investment when:

8. Few valuable trash targets
9. Limited Action cards
10. Better alternatives exist

11. No clear upgrade paths

12. Key Kingdom Cards to Watch

Positive Influences: - Fortress (repeatable upgrade target) - Hunting Grounds (valuable trash target) - Market Square (trash synergy) - Death Cart (creates valuable trash)

Negative Influences: - Ambassador (dilutes deck) - Cursers (clogs hand) - Gardens (prefers quantity over quality)

Specific Card Interactions

1. Notable Upgrade Paths

From $2: - Cellar → Laboratory - Chapel → Gold - Vassal → Ghost Ship

From $3: - Village → Province - Warehouse → Gold - Workshop → Witch

From $4: - Smithy → Province - Remodel → Colony - Gardens → Province

1. Recovery Targets

Priority $3-$6 cards: - Gold ($6) - Province ($6, in endgame) - Witch ($5) - Laboratory ($5) - Market ($5) - Silver ($3)

Advanced Techniques

1. Multi-Card Sequences
2. Use draw cards before deciding mode
3. Chain multiple Graverobbers
4. Combine with other trash-for-benefit

5. Time recoveries with shuffles

6. Trash Management

7. Influence trash order
8. Create recovery targets
9. Block opponent access

10. Time valuable trashing

11. Engine Integration

12. Support action chains
13. Enable multiple uses
14. Maintain upgrade fodder
15. Balance recovery timing

Sample Strategies

1. Engine Building
2. Focus on upgrading early
3. Convert cheap actions into engine pieces
4. Use recovery for lost components

5. Maintain action density

6. Big Money Hybrid

7. Upgrade copper/silver producers
8. Recover trashed Golds
9. Convert late actions to Provinces

10. Time recoveries efficiently

11. Rush Strategy

12. Quick upgrade to key cards
13. Minimal recovery usage
14. Convert to Provinces early
15. Race to end conditions

Situational Advice

1. Opening Considerations
2. Kingdom analysis crucial
3. Check upgrade paths
4. Evaluate trashing presence

5. Consider alternative $5s

6. Multi-player Dynamics

7. More trash opportunities
8. Increased competition
9. Complex timing issues

10. Table position matters

11. Tournament Play

12. Higher skill ceiling
13. More precise timing
14. Greater trash awareness
15. Complex decision trees

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Strategic Errors
2. Ignoring trash contents
3. Poor mode selection
4. Mistiming recoveries

5. Inefficient upgrades

6. Tactical Mistakes

7. Recovering too early
8. Upgrading wrong targets
9. Missing shuffle timing

10. Neglecting alternatives

11. General Pitfalls

12. Over-investing
13. Inflexible strategy
14. Poor trash management
15. Ignoring opponent plans

Conclusion

Graverobber is a sophisticated card that rewards careful play and strategic thinking. Its dual modes provide flexibility throughout the game, while its generous upgrade margin and top-deck placement offer powerful effects. Success with Graverobber requires:

• Constant trash monitoring
• Strategic mode selection
• Careful timing
• Kingdom awareness
• Opponent consideration

When used properly, Graverobber can be a cornerstone of various strategies, from engine building to big money hybrid approaches. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to many kingdoms, but maximizing its potential requires practice and careful consideration of game state and timing.

Final Tips: - Always check trash before playing - Plan mode selection ahead - Consider next turn implications - Watch opponent strategies - Stay flexible in approach - Practice trash tracking - Time plays carefully