Carcassonne: Circus & Artists

999 Games, Bard Centrum Gier, Devir · Board game · 2017
2–6 · best 3 45 min Weight 1.9/5
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for base game owners looking to spice up the theme with light and fun mechanics.

Highlights
  • Very charming circus theme
  • Human pyramids add new strategy
  • Easy to integrate with base game
  • Visually appealing components
Keep in mind
  • Requires the second edition
  • Doesn't drastically change the core
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get your popcorn ready because the show has arrived in town! Carcassonne: Circus & Artists (also known as Under the Big Top) brings a completely fresh vibe to the tile-placement classic. Forget about traditional medieval roads and cities for a moment; now the focus is on building the perfect circus ring to attract the crowds. The real game-changer here is the introduction of new dynamics for your followers (meeples). Now, they can be trained to perform acrobatics and form human pyramids, adding a clever strategic layer to your scoring options.

You'll need to manage the circus tent, which acts as the heart of the event and draws in the local folk, while the Ringmaster keeps everything organized and the visitors calm. This is the tenth major expansion for the franchise and holds a special place as the first large expansion designed exclusively for the second edition of the base game. If you already enjoy the map-building and territory-fighting aspects of the original, this expansion injects thematic and mechanical freshness that breaks the monotony without overcomplicating the experience. It's essentially taking everything we love about Carcassonne and adding a touch of juggling and circus glamour!
Expansion for
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
6 OK
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Game details

Families

Game: Carcassonne Series: Carcassonne Official Major Expansions Theme: Circus
Publisher 999 Games, Bard Centrum Gier, Devir, Edge Entertainment, Fantasmagoria, Feelindigo, Giochi Uniti, Hans im Glück, Hobby World, Kaissa Chess & Games, Lautapelit.fi, MINDOK, Oxygame, Piatnik, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., Z-Man Games
Designer Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
Artist Anne Pätzke, Chris Quilliams, Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, Marcel Gröber
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you'll need Carcassonne (specifically the 2nd edition) to play.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. If you're already familiar with Carcassonne, the new circus rules are very intuitive and quick to grasp.
How many players can join?
It supports 2 to 6 players, maintaining the versatility of the series.
How long does a game take?
Usually around 45 minutes, so it doesn't drag the playtime out too much.
What changes regarding scoring?
You now score points through acrobatics and managing the circus tent, alongside the traditional methods.