Anno 1800: The Board Game

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Albi · Board game · 2020
2–4 · best 3 120 min Weight 3.1/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy heavy strategy games with deep resource management and an engaging industrial theme, Anno 1800 is a perfect fit!

Highlights
  • Satisfying production chains
  • Deep resource management
  • Well-adapted video game theme
  • High replayability
  • Clever indirect interaction
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Game length can be long
  • Prone to 'analysis paralysis'
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey everyone! Ready to dive into the Industrial Revolution and build your own empire? Anno 1800: The Board Game is the tabletop adaptation of Ubisoft's acclaimed PC game, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Here, the challenge is to continuously develop your home island, transforming it into a prosperous industrial hub. But man doesn't live by factories alone, right? You'll need fleets of ships to explore the Old and New Worlds, establishing vital trade routes for your growth. The key to success is meeting the needs of your population, who start simple, wanting bread and clothes, but soon evolve to demand valuable luxury goods. This means you need to plan your production chains intelligently, optimizing each step to ensure your citizens are happy and productive. Keep an eye on the specialization of your workforce – farmers, workers, craftsmen, engineers, and investors all play crucial roles. The strategic distribution of these worker types is essential for your success. Oh, and don't forget: competition is fierce! Your opponents are always watching your achievements, ready to snatch innovations and opportunities from under your nose. Who will be the master of prosperity and build the most successful island? Get ready for a significant economic and strategic challenge!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
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3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Families

History: Industrial Revolution Mechanism: Tableau Building Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with expansions that add solo play Video Game Theme: Anno
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Albi, Devir, Galakta, Giochi Uniti, IELLO, Zvezda
Designer Martin Wallace
Artist Fiore GmbH
Frequently Asked Questions
How complex is Anno 1800: The Board Game?
It's considered a medium-heavy to heavy game (3.13/5 on BGG). It has many interconnected mechanics and requires good strategic planning, so it's not for absolute beginners, but it rewards those who enjoy a good challenge.
How many players can participate and what is the playing time?
Anno 1800 can be played by 2 to 4 players, and the estimated duration is 120 minutes. But, as with any robust eurogame, be prepared for games that might run a bit longer, especially with players prone to 'analysis paralysis'!
Does the game have a solo mode?
Yes, Anno 1800 offers a solo mode! It's a great option to practice your empire-building strategies or when you simply want to enjoy the game without the pressure of direct competition.
Is it necessary to know the Anno 1800 video game to play the board game?
Not at all! While the board game captures much of the essence and theme of the video game, it is completely standalone. The experience is complete even for those who have never played the digital version, and the theme is universally appealing.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a modular board, hundreds of cards (population, ships, objectives), many resource and building tokens, plus differentiated worker meeples. All with really nice production quality!
Who is Anno 1800 best suited for?
It's perfect for those who love economic strategy eurogames, focusing on engine building, resource optimization, and long-term planning. Fans of games like Terraforming Mars or Brass: Birmingham will likely feel right at home.
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is mostly indirect, but quite present! You'll be competing for action spaces, objective cards, and resources in the market, trying to be more efficient than your opponents in building your empire. It's a race for prosperity!