—
rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you already enjoy Colt Express and want another thematic twist, the Santa Claus Elf brings a fun touch and an extra challenge to the victory conditions. It's a promo that changes the game without overcomplicating it!
Highlights
- Thematic and fun twist
- Dynamic victory rules
- Easy to integrate
- Adds a touch of luck
Keep in mind
- Depends on final position
- Secret tokens add luck
- Can alter balance
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for more train-top mayhem with Colt Express: The Santa Claus Elf! This little promo adds a mischievous elf to shake up your train heist even more. He moves along with the bandits, but only when they move on their own accord, not if they're forced by a punch or shot. Where the elf ends the game is crucial: if he's near the locomotive, the richest bandit with a gift token wins. If he's further away, the richest bandit with an empty token wins, eliminating those with gifts. You can play with or without other expansions, but he interacts differently with the Marshal and the stagecoach. The elf can't be targeted, but his final position changes the victory conditions. It's an addition that brings a touch of luck and memory into play, as the tokens are kept secret. If you enjoy the chaos of Colt Express and want an extra twist for your games, this promo might be a good pick to add some variety. Setup is simple and the rules are easy to grasp, so it won't take long to get the elf moving and see who comes out on top in this festive race for cash!
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Ludonaute
Designer
Christophe Raimbault
Artist
Ian Parovel, Jordi Valbuena
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
211owners
98wishlist
48want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need the base game Colt Express to play with this expansion?
Yes, Colt Express: The Santa Claus Elf is an expansion and requires the base game Colt Express to be played.
Can I use this expansion with the other Colt Express expansions (Horses & Stagecoach, Marshal & Prisoners)?
Yes, it's designed to be compatible and interact specifically with them, although you can use it on its own as well.
How long does it take to learn the Elf's rules?
The rules are quite straightforward and easy to understand, usually taking just a few minutes to explain and incorporate into the game.
Does the Elf significantly change the game's strategy?
It adds an element of luck and memory, and alters the victory conditions depending on where it ends up. It changes things a bit, but doesn't revolutionize the core strategy.
How many players can use this expansion?
Just like the base game, it's for 2 to 6 players.
Can the Elf be attacked or harmed?
No, the Elf cannot be targeted by shots, punches, or other actions that harm bandits. It only moves with certain types of actions.
Does the Elf's presence guarantee victory for those who got a gift?
Not necessarily. If the Elf ends near the locomotive, the richest player with a gift token wins. But if it ends far away, the richest player with an empty token wins, eliminating those with gifts.
