# Carcassonne: The River

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2001
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: 1.69 / 5
- **Designers**: Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, Rudolf Ross
- **Artists**: Doris Matthäus
- **Publishers**: 999 Games, Brain Games, Devir, Hans im Glück, Koch Media GmBH, Rio Grande Games, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., Z-Man Games
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Medieval, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Enclosure, End Game Bonuses, Kill Steal, Map Addition, Modular Board, Pattern Building, Square Grid, Tile Placement, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
Enjoy Carcassonne and want a simple upgrade? The River is the right pick to start the game in a new, strategic way!Different game startEasy to integrateMore initial flowVisually interestingNo scoring on the riverMinor strategic shiftRequires base gameRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you're a Carcassonne fan and like the idea of adding a special touch to the board, this mini-expansion is for you! The River, as the name suggests, adds a river element that slightly changes how you start the game. Instead of beginning with a random tile, you now build a river with 12 unique tiles right from the start. This beauty not only makes the map visually more interesting but also alters the initial dynamic, as you cannot place your meeples (those little figures) on the river tiles. This means the competition for points in cities, fields, and roads will start a bit later and in a different way. It's a super simple expansion to introduce, perfect for those who want a little variety without overcomplicating the rules. It's ideal for anyone seeking a slightly more fluid Carcassonne experience with a more strategic start, as the initial river placement can influence subsequent plays. It's like giving your game a new course while keeping all the essence we already love about Carcassonne. If you want something quick that doesn't radically change the game but brings a fresh feel, The River is a sure bet. It's an expansion that works well with any player count and doesn't add much complexity, making it great for introducing the game to new players or for those who want a quicker game.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base Carcassonne game to play with The River?
Yes! The River is an expansion and requires the base Carcassonne game to be played.

### How many river tiles come in this expansion?
The River expansion adds 12 river tiles to your Carcassonne game.

### Does it change the way Carcassonne is played much?
Not significantly. The main change is that you build a river at the beginning, and you cannot place your meeples on it, which slightly alters the initial strategy and scoring.

### Are the rules difficult to learn?
Not at all! It's a super simple mini-expansion. The additional rules are minimal and easy to grasp, making it great even for beginners.

### With how many players does it work best?
It works well with all Carcassonne player counts, from 2 to 5. The dynamic changes slightly depending on the number of players, but it's always a nice addition.

### Is it worth buying just for the river?
If you enjoy Carcassonne and want a small variation that makes the game's start more interesting and strategic without adding complexity, then yes, it's definitely worth it!

### Can I place my meeples on the river?
No, that's one of the rules. Meeples (followers) cannot be placed on the tiles that make up the river.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 3.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=149241&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 9.20 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6338164&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/2136/carcassonne-the-river?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com