18Mag is the Hungarian spin‑off of the classic 18xx series, putting you in charge of railroads and support companies across Hungary. The game supports 1‑6 players and typically runs from two to four hours, making it a solid choice for longer game nights. At the start, the 13 railroad companies are divided among the players, each operating in numerical order, laying tracks, building stations (or factories), and moving trains. A key twist is that all locomotives are available from the very beginning – no waiting for the next model. They don’t rust, but you can retire them to make room for larger units.

Besides the railroads, seven support companies provide services such as extra tiles, reduced bridge costs, or new locomotives. When a railroad uses these services, it pays a fee that goes straight into its treasury. During stock rounds, players buy shares of these companies, and after each operation round, profits are distributed to shareholders.

What makes 18Mag stand out is its blend of route building, resource management, and investment strategy. You must plan routes to maximize earnings while managing your stock portfolio to keep dividends flowing. The game ends when at least one of each locomotive type has been sold, and the wealthiest player, in terms of cash and assets, wins.

If you love complex strategy games, 18Mag is a great pick, but be warned: the learning curve is steep and the playtime can be grueling. If you enjoy simulating the growth of a railway empire and have the patience to crunch numbers, you’ll have a blast. Otherwise, it might be a bit too much.