# Città-Stato ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2022 - **BGG Rating**: 7.0 - **BGG Rank**: #6941 - **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 60-90 min - **Weight**: 3.46 / 5 - **Designers**: Simone Cerruti Sola - **Artists**: Yaroslav Radetskyi - **Publishers**: Giochix.it - **Categories**: Economic, Medieval, Political - **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Variable Player Powers, Worker Placement ## Verdict Città-Stato is a treat for those who enjoy mid-to-heavy weight games with that satisfying engine-building feel driven by a well-managed bag. The experience of balancing prestige with the maintenance of the Republic adds a political layer that sets the title apart from other economic games. It is a strategic challenge that rewards long-term planning, making it ideal for groups who enjoy optimizing actions and combos. Overall, it is a solid and thematic experience that shines through its core mechanic of controlled luck.Satisfying bag-building mechanicAsymmetric city-state powersStrategic game pacingWell-integrated medieval themeCan be punishing for beginnersModerate learning curveRequires rigorous planningRECOMMENDED ## Description Welcome to the 12th century, a time when the Mediterranean was the true center of the world and the Maritime Republics dictated the pace of history. In Città-Stato, you take control of one of these powerful city-states, seeking to expand your influence through trade, diplomacy, and, of course, a bit of military might. But don't be fooled: being the richest or the most feared doesn't guarantee victory. The game requires you to keep republican values alive, balancing prestige with the political stability of your city. The core highlight here is the bag-building mechanic. You will acquire cubes throughout the rounds and place them in your personal supply. Each turn, luck (and your planning) comes into play when you draw these cubes, which determine which actions you can perform. It is a system that rewards those who build an efficient 'bag' capable of triggering the right combos at the moment of greatest need. The game unfolds over seven intense rounds, and the pace is dictated by the players themselves: you can continue taking actions until you decide to pass, which adds a strategic layer regarding when to stop or push your luck. Furthermore, each Republic has unique characteristics, providing that special touch of variable player powers. You are not just playing against others; you are playing against the need to optimize your action engine. Action cards expand your possibilities, allowing you to create complex strategies if you have planned your resources well. It is a title that requires constant attention to the board and the intentions of your opponents. If you enjoy games that blend economic management with a touch of medieval history and a pinch of controlled luck, Città-Stato offers a dense yet rewarding experience for those who like to plan every step toward Mediterranean hegemony. ## FAQ ### What is the average playtime? The game takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and the group's experience. ### How many players can play? Città-Stato supports 1 to 4 players and works well in all configurations. ### Is it hard to learn? With a BGG weight of 3.45, it is aimed at players who are already familiar with strategy games, but it is not overly complex. ### Is there luck involved? Yes, the bag-building mechanic introduces luck, but it is mitigated by your planning when building your bag. ### Is the theme just a skin? No, the Maritime Republics theme is well-integrated into the trade and political prestige mechanics. ### Is the solo mode any good? Yes, the game offers a challenging solo experience that keeps the essence of competing against rival republics. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 64.26 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6075843&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/37198/citta-stato?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com