If you've always wanted to dive into the world of 18xx but felt intimidated by the complexity or length, 18Scan might be your perfect entry point! It delivers the essence of the series – stock management, railroad building, and heavy economic decisions – in a more digestible package with a table time that won't take up your entire day. It's a game that manages to be strategic without being overwhelming, ideal for testing the waters or for those looking for a quicker 18xx for their collection.
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Highlights
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Excellent 18xx entry point
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More friendly playtime
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Smart strategic decisions
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Unique Scandinavian setting
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Variety of subsystems
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Keep in mind
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Still requires dedication
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Initial learning curve
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Not the most complex 18xx
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a railway journey through Scandinavia with 18Scan, a game from the acclaimed 18xx series that takes you to the landscapes of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Unlike some of its more robust siblings in the 18xx family, 18Scan was designed to be a more compact and accessible experience, ideal for those who want an 18xx that fits into a shorter game session or for those taking their first steps into this complex universe. The designer's ambition was to create a game that, while more straightforward, still offered interesting strategic choices and was a bit more 'forgiving' than titles like the infamous 1830. But make no mistake, it still brings the depth that fans expect! You'll dive into building railway networks, managing company stocks, and strategically placing tiles to expand your empires. In addition to the core mechanics, 18Scan incorporates cool subsystems, such as minor companies, a railroad that emerges from mergers, and the concept of destinations, not to mention the various categories of trains. All of this ensures tactical variety that truly showcases the richness of the 18xx universe, even in a more streamlined format.
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Box and component photos
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businessPublisher(Web published), Deep Thought Games, LLC, Golden Spike Games
editDesignerDavid G. D. Hecht
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
291owners
108wishlist
65want to play
quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
What is the average playtime for 18Scan? expand_more
A game of 18Scan typically lasts around 180 minutes, or about 3 hours. It's a significant amount of time, but shorter than many other games in the 18xx series.
How many players can play 18Scan? expand_more
18Scan is designed for 2 to 4 players. It plays well at all counts, but the market dynamics might shift slightly depending on the number of participants.
What is the complexity level of 18Scan? expand_more
It's considered a medium-heavy complexity game (BGG weight of 3.65/5). While it's an 'introduction' to 18xx, it still requires significant strategic thinking and familiarity with economic mechanics.
Is 18Scan a good game for 18xx beginners? expand_more
Yes, it was designed to be a more friendly entry point into the 18xx series. It's less punishing and more straightforward than other titles, yet still offers the strategic depth characteristic of the genre. Great for getting started!
What are the main game mechanics in 18Scan? expand_more
The core mechanics involve network and route building (railroads), stock holding in companies, and tile placement on the board to expand the network. You'll need to master all of them to win.
What differentiates 18Scan from other 18xx games? expand_more
Its main difference is its focus on being a 'small' and shorter 18xx game, set in Scandinavia. It retains the essence of the genre, but with a more accessible playtime and a design that aims to be less punishing for new players.
