Big City: 20th Anniversary Jumbo Edition – Urban Upgrade

Mercury Games · Board game · 2019
2–5 · best 2, 3, 4 45–60 min Weight 3.0/5
20.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
20.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

The perfect upgrade for Jumbo edition players looking for more urban complexity.

Highlights
  • Stunning new miniatures
  • Deeper strategic gameplay
  • Supports more players
  • Fresh building types
Keep in mind
  • Jumbo edition only
  • Requires base game
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're already a seasoned urban planner in Big City, get ready to give your metropolis a serious upgrade! The Urban Upgrade is the definitive expansion for the Jumbo edition, bringing that extra boost every strategy lover craves. But heads up, folks: this pack was specifically designed for the Jumbo version, so don't try to force it into the original edition unless you want your city to turn into urban chaos!

What's new in this box? First off, the visual content is stunning. We're talking 15 new large building miniatures that add incredible presence to your table. And these aren't just more of the same; we've included four brand-new building types that shift the game's dynamics: Police Station, Hospital, Parking Garage, and School. Each one adds a new layer of planning to your urban empire. Additionally, the expansion pushes the city's boundaries with two new Neighborhood Boards (Neighborhoods 9 and 0) and a brand-new Waterfront tile, opening up expansion possibilities we've never seen before.

For those who crave variety, the game gains more property cards and scoring markers to comfortably accommodate a 5th player. This is the kind of content that transforms a standard session into a much denser, more strategic, and visually rich experience. If you're looking for more depth in tile placement and want to test your hand management skills in a more complex setting, the Urban Upgrade is your logical next step. It's time to turn your small town into a vibrant megalopolis filled with essential services!

Best player count

BGG community vote

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

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter
Publisher Mercury Games
Designer Franz-Benno Delonge
Artist Michael Christopher

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Does this expansion work with the original Big City?
No! It is designed exclusively for the Jumbo edition. If you have the classic version, this expansion won't be compatible.
How many players can play with it?
With the Urban Upgrade, you can expand the fun to up to 5 players smoothly.
What new components are included?
You get 15 large building miniatures (including 4 new types), new neighborhood boards, and a new waterfront tile.
Does the game get much harder?
It becomes deeper and more varied due to the new buildings and areas, but it keeps the core essence you love.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game is very visual, but property cards and rules may have English terms. However, the gameplay is quite intuitive.