Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Collector's Edition

Bézier Games · Board game · 2022
1–5 · best 3 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.6/5
rating Ludopedia
8.3 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love building castles and don't shy away from a good auction, this Collector's Edition of Castles of Mad King Ludwig is for you! It's the game you love, just prettier and with more to do.

Highlights
  • Addictive castle building
  • High-quality components
  • Expansions and extras included
  • Clever, interactive mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Can be a bit complex
  • Auctions require focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to unleash your inner architect with the Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Collector's Edition! If you enjoyed the original 2014 game, this souped-up version will blow you away. We know you love the idea of building endless, luxurious castles while competing to rack up the most victory points. This edition brings everything you love about the base game, but with a level of polish that King Ludwig II of Bavaria himself would approve of!

What's new? Oh, quite a bit! The artwork has been completely redone to make everything more visually stunning, there's a fantastic dual-sided scoreboard, and the internal organizers (GameTrayz!) will make setup and storage a breeze. The player markers are now weighted swan pieces, adding an extra touch of elegance. To top it off, new expansions like 'Royal Decrees' and 'Towers' (with incredible 3D miniatures!) have been included, along with a fifth player option and a few other surprises.

The core mechanics remain brilliant: you'll be placing tiles to build your castle, managing resources, participating in auctions (including the famous Dutch auction!), and using the 'I cut, you choose' mechanic. There are also end-game bonuses and hidden points to keep the tension high until the very last moment. It's a game that blends construction, strategy, and a bit of luck, perfect for those who enjoy thinking and watching their creations take shape. If you're a fan of tile-placement games with a puzzle and auction twist, this edition is a must-have!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Game Trayz Inside Country: Germany Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Castles of Mad King Ludwig Misc: Mensa Select Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Region: Bavaria (Germany) Theme: Construction Versions & Editions: Big Box Versions of Individual Games
Publisher Bézier Games
Designer Ted Alspach
Artist Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Alanna Kelsey, Ted Alspach

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What's the main difference between this Collector's Edition and the base game?
This edition features all-new artwork, premium components like weighted swan player markers and internal organizers (GameTrayz), and includes the 'Royal Decrees' and 'Towers' expansions, plus a 5th player option.
How many players can play?
The base game is for 1-4 players, but this edition includes the option to play with up to 5 players.
Is the game very difficult to learn?
The complexity is moderate. The basic tile-placement rules are simple, but the auction and scoring strategies might take a few games to master. The BGG weight is 2.62/5, indicating it's accessible but has depth.
How long does a game session take?
A game session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
Is there language dependency?
No, the game does not have language dependency. Important information is conveyed through symbols on tiles and cards, and the components in this edition have updated art that aids comprehension.
Is it a good game for board game beginners?
It can be a good entry point if the player enjoys puzzles and isn't intimidated by auctions. The tile-placement mechanic is quite intuitive.

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