Assyria: Second Edition

Garphill Games · Board game · 2025
1–4 · best 4 Solo 90 min Weight 3.1/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Buy
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Love building ancient empires with a touch of auction and a constant flood threat? Assyria: Second Edition is for you! A revamped version that keeps the game's heart beating strong.

Highlights
  • Deep and engaging strategy
  • Dynamic auction sets the pace
  • Well-integrated historical theme
  • Polished solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Flood threat is relentless
  • Initial learning curve
  • Auction can be tense
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare to relive ancient times in Mesopotamia with Assyria: Second Edition! In this game, you lead one of the nomadic tribes that, before forming the great Assyrian empire, thrived along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by building imposing huts and ziggurats, making valuable offerings, and expanding your influence across the fertile lands. But beware, as river floods are a constant threat, capable of wiping away what has been built! Each round, the competition for turn order is fierce through an auction system, and you'll need to manage your resources wisely to expand your territory and develop your civilization. Multi-use cards add an extra layer of strategy, allowing you to use them in various ways. The second edition brings a polish and redesign to the 2009 version, maintaining the essence of the original game while enhancing the experience. It's a treat for those who enjoy strategy games with historical themes, city building, and auction and open drafting mechanics. With a robust solo mode, Assyria also appeals to those who like to challenge themselves. The complexity is moderate, ideal for players seeking a strategic challenge without getting lost in excessive rules.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Admin: Upcoming Releases Ancient: Mesopotamia Country: Iraq Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: Ancient Anthology (Garphill Games)
Publisher Garphill Games
Designer Emanuele Ornella, S J Macdonald, Shem Phillips
Artist Sam Phillips

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Assyria: Second Edition?
A game typically lasts around 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game accommodates 1 to 4 players, offering a good experience in both solo and group play.
Is Assyria a difficult game to learn?
It has a medium weight (3.04/5 on BGG), meaning it requires some attention to grasp all the mechanics, but it's not excessively complex for those familiar with other strategy games.
What changed in the Second Edition compared to the original?
The second edition features a redesign and enhancement of all aspects of the game, keeping the core gameplay intact but offering a more polished and modern experience.
Do I need to know how to play in English?
There is no language dependency on the main cards or components of the game.
Who would you recommend Assyria: Second Edition for?
We recommend it for players who enjoy strategy games with historical themes, auction mechanics, city building, and a touch of unpredictability with the floods.

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