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Architects of the West Kingdom

Garphill Games, Angry Lion Games, Banana Games · Board game · 2018
1–5 · best 4 Solo 60–80 min Weight 2.8/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 34.99
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 34.99 How to Play Ask about Rules
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're looking for a worker placement game with a unique twist on resource management and a compelling moral dilemma, Architects of the West Kingdom is a fantastic choice that will keep you strategizing from start to finish.

Highlights
  • Innovative worker placement mechanism
  • Engaging moral choices impact gameplay
  • Satisfying engine building and construction
  • High replayability with varied strategies
Keep in mind
  • Player interaction can be aggressive
  • Theme might not appeal to everyone
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

In 'Architects of the West Kingdom', we're whisked away to the late Carolingian Empire, around 850 AD. As royal architects, our goal is simple yet challenging: impress the King and maintain our noble status by constructing incredible landmarks throughout his new domain. To do this, we'll need to roll up our sleeves, gather raw materials, hire skilled apprentices, and, of course, keep a close eye on our workforce. After all, the competition is fierce, and other architects won't hesitate to use questionable tactics to hinder our progress. The game places us at a constant moral crossroads: will you follow the path of virtue or venture into the black market and its tempting offers? Ultimately, points are what matter. We earn points by constructing buildings and contributing to the magnificent Archbishop's Cathedral. But beware! Your ethical choices will only be judged at the very end. Small deviations might seem harmless, but if you delve too deep into corruption, the consequences will be severe. The game concludes once a predetermined number of constructions are completed, revealing who was the most efficient architect... and perhaps the most 'virtuous'. Get ready for tough decisions and a race against time and your rivals!

Expansions

Published additional content

11 items
Architects of the West Kingdom: Age of Artisans Architects of the West Kingdom: Crossover Promo Pack Architects of the West Kingdom: Dice Tower 2020 Pack Architects of the West Kingdom: Extra Apprentices Architects of the West Kingdom: Extra Buildings Architects of the West Kingdom: Extra Player Boards Architects of the West Kingdom: Jugador Architects of the West Kingdom: King Dan Architects of the West Kingdom: Promo Paradise Card Set Architects of the West Kingdom: Works of Wonder The West Kingdom Tomesaga

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

In English

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Architects of the West Kingdom English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Area Movement Contracts End Game Bonuses Events Kill Steal Loans Open Drafting Solo / Solitaire Game Static Capture Tags Take That Track Movement Variable Player Powers Variable Set-up Worker Placement

Categories

City Building Economic Medieval

Families

Components: Meeples Components: Wooden pieces & boards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia History: Francia Misc: Mensa Select Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Occupation: Architect Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Religious: Monks/Abbots & Monasteries/Abbeys Series: Medieval Trilogies (Garphill Games) Series: The West Kingdom Trilogy (Garphill Games) Theme: Construction
Publisher Garphill Games, Angry Lion Games, Banana Games, CMON Global Limited, Fever Games, Korea Boardgames
Designer S J Macdonald, Shem Phillips
Artist Mihajlo Dimitrievski

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

45,119owners
7,657wishlist
737want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Architects of the West Kingdom?
A game typically lasts between 60 and 80 minutes. It's a great length for a strategic experience without overstaying its welcome.
How many players can play?
The game accommodates 1 to 5 players. Yes, there's a solo mode for when you want to build your kingdom in peace!
What is the complexity level of the game?
It's considered a medium-weight game (2.76/5 on BGG). It's accessible for those with some board game experience, but offers enough depth for more seasoned players.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the West Kingdom series is known for its quality components, featuring sturdy meeples and wooden pieces, along with great artwork that immerses you in the medieval theme.
Who is 'Architects of the West Kingdom' recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy worker placement games with interesting moral decisions and a touch of player interaction. If you like building and optimizing your actions, you'll have a lot of fun!
Is there a language dependency to play?
Not much! The text on the cards is minimal and easily memorizable, so it's not a barrier for non-English speakers.

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