Coffee Traders

Capstone Games, Engames, Giochix.it · Board game · 2021
2–5 · best 4 120–150 min Weight 4.3/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love economics, farming, and deep strategy, this game is your cup of coffee!

Highlights
  • Smart resource management
  • Territory control excitement
  • Contracts add depth
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Constant market monitoring needed
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About the game
Picture the hey‑day of the 1970s, when coffee was the black gold driving entire economies. In Coffee Traders you take on the role of an ambitious farmer or trader who must cultivate and market Arabica coffee beans across Central America, Africa and Asia. Each player gets a set of action points to use for planting, growing, building factories, signing contracts or expanding influence over territories. Gameplay revolves around managing limited resources, deciding where to invest and who to partner with—while keeping an eye on the global market that can shift the value of each bean. The area majority mechanic makes territory control strategic: whoever controls more farms in a region gains bonuses and influence. Contracts add a long‑term goal, forcing you to plan actions to fulfill promises and earn extra points. Pass order ensures the competition stays dynamic, as the sequence of player turns can alter the game’s flow. Components are solid: detailed control boards and realistic coffee tokens give a touch of authenticity. The game blends economic strategy with a historical vibe, offering a rich, immersive setting for fans of management and trade games. In short, Coffee Traders is a deep, tactical experience that celebrates coffee culture.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Components: Control Boards Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Food & Drink: Coffee
Publisher Capstone Games, Engames, Giochix.it, Maldito Games, MTS Games, One Moment Games, Skellig Games, Super Meeple
Designer André Spil, Rolf Sagel
Artist Daan van Paridon, John Rabou
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical game duration?
Between 120 and 150 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
How many players is it best suited for?
Ideal for 2 to 5 players, though dynamics shift slightly with more participants.
What is the complexity level?
Medium to high: involves resource planning, territory control and contract fulfillment.
What are the main components?
Board with cultivation areas, coffee tokens, action tokens, contracts, event cards and control boards.
Who benefits most from the game?
Strategy enthusiasts, fans of economic games and those who enjoy historical trade themes.
Is there an expansion?
No official expansions yet, but the community often creates casual variants.
Is there a learning curve?
Yes, the game takes time to grasp the interactions between action points, contracts and area control.