7.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a lighthearted, chaotic race game that's easy to teach and fun for a crowd, Camel Up is a fantastic choice. Its unique camel stacking mechanic creates hilarious, unpredictable moments.
Highlights
- Hilarious, unpredictable camel stacking mechanic
- Accessible rules, quick to learn
- Engaging for large player counts
- Exciting betting and push-your-luck
Keep in mind
- Luck can heavily influence outcomes
- Less strategic depth for hardcore gamers
RECOMMENDED
Get ready for a camel race like no other in Camel Up! In this super fun game, up to eight players dive into the excitement of predicting which of the five camels will cross the finish line in first and second place. The trick is, the earlier you place your bet, the more profit you can make – if you guess correctly, of course! But don't think it's just a random draw; things get interesting because the camels don't run in an orderly fashion. They might end up on top of each other, carrying a slower colleague towards victory (or disaster!).
At the beginning of each round, all five dice are rolled to set the camels' starting positions. Then, for each 'leg' of the race, players choose a betting card for each camel, indicating how much they can win or lose depending on its final position. The big star of the game is the pyramid dice shaker, which releases one die at a time, revealing which camel will move. This mechanic adds a dose of suspense and strategy, as you need to decide when to stop betting to see the action unfold.
Beyond the main bets, you can also use oasis cards to give camels a boost (or a hindrance) and pocket some extra coins. The game proceeds with bets resolved after each leg until one camel finally crosses the finish line. When this happens, all end-of-race bets are resolved, and the player with the most coins at the end is the grand champion of the desert races. It's a light, fast-paced game full of laughs, perfect for livening up any gathering!
At the beginning of each round, all five dice are rolled to set the camels' starting positions. Then, for each 'leg' of the race, players choose a betting card for each camel, indicating how much they can win or lose depending on its final position. The big star of the game is the pyramid dice shaker, which releases one die at a time, revealing which camel will move. This mechanic adds a dose of suspense and strategy, as you need to decide when to stop betting to see the action unfold.
Beyond the main bets, you can also use oasis cards to give camels a boost (or a hindrance) and pocket some extra coins. The game proceeds with bets resolved after each leg until one camel finally crosses the finish line. When this happens, all end-of-race bets are resolved, and the player with the most coins at the end is the grand champion of the desert races. It's a light, fast-paced game full of laughs, perfect for livening up any gathering!
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
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Stikfa-mations by Greg Cornell Board Game Review and How To Play
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Overview of Camel Up, 2014 Spiel des Jahres winner
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How to play Camel Up - Teach The Table
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█ █ █ HOW TO PLAY - quick video w/ Doron █ █ █
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A Dicey "Walkthrough Review" of Camel Up!
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Camel Up Game Play
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Quick and Complete: Camel Up!
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Camel Up - How to play
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How to Play: Camel Up
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How to play Camel Up!
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Dwiggy's Demos presents Camel Up
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SdJ Nominee Camel Up explained by hosts Ben & Katharina
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OK
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REC
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BEST
5
BEST
6
REC
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REC
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OK
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
eggertspiele, 999 Games, Albi, Brädspel.se, Ediciones MasQueOca, Fantasmagoria
Designer
Steffen Bogen
Artist
Dennis Lohausen
What's the ideal number of players for Camel Up?
Camel Up shines with more people! While it can be played with 2 to 8, the experience becomes more chaotic and fun with 4 or 5+ players, as the competition for bets and race twists increase significantly.
Is Camel Up a complex game? Is it good for beginners?
Not at all! It has a very light complexity (BGG weight 1.502/5), making it perfect for beginners and those not used to board games. The rules are easy to pick up, and the focus is on fun and interaction.
How long does a game of Camel Up last?
Games are quite quick, usually between 20 and 30 minutes. It's ideal for playing multiple times in a row or fitting between longer games.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a colorful board, camel miniatures, coins, betting cards, and of course, the famous pyramid dice shaker, which is a spectacle in itself and super functional!
Is there a lot of strategy in Camel Up or is it pure luck?
It's a fun mix! Dice luck plays a role, of course, but strategy comes in when deciding when and who to bet on, and how to use your oasis cards to influence the race. Knowing the right time to take a risk is key.
Is Camel Up a game for children?
Absolutely! From age 8 upwards, children can understand the rules and have a lot of fun with the excitement of the race and the betting. It's a great family game.