If you're into heavier euro games, with plenty to think about and optimize, Craftsmen might be a pleasant surprise. It blends several mechanics we love, like worker placement and hand management, into a package that challenges you to build a true production engine. It's a game for those who enjoy long-term planning and seeing their strategies come to fruition.
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Highlights
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Many well-integrated mechanics
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Strategic depth
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Medieval economic theme
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Interesting replayability
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Optimization challenge
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Keep in mind
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Game length
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Learning curve
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Indirect interaction
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In a distant kingdom, there was a small town so insignificant it didn't even appear on maps. The mayor, determined to change this reality, sent messengers across the land in search of a skilled and experienced entrepreneur to boost the local economy. The reward? A monument in the main square, eternal glory, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Years passed until the candidates finally arrived. The mayor, beaming, decided to give each one a chance to prove their worth, granting each entrepreneur five loyal, albeit not-so-bright, helpers. They would have three years to demonstrate their craftsmanship, and at the end of this period, the mayor would choose the most deserving for the position. In Craftsmen, players compete to accumulate appreciation points, which are earned by constructing production buildings, establishing strategic connections between them, producing raw materials and consumer goods, or purchasing them directly. Additionally, points can be gained by sending products to the farthest corners of the world. Ultimately, the craftsman with the most appreciation points will be the grand winner, earning the mayor's recognition and immortalization in the town's history.
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Gallery
Box and component photos
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What is the average playtime for Craftsmen? expand_more
Get ready for a longer session! Craftsmen games typically last between 120 and 180 minutes, so it's a good idea to set aside some time with your group.
How many players can play Craftsmen? expand_more
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players. The experience might vary slightly with the player count, but it works well across all ranges.
Is Craftsmen a complex game for beginners? expand_more
With a BGG weight of 3.96, Craftsmen is considered a highly complex game. It features several interconnected mechanics, which can be challenging for those new to heavier euro games.
What are the main components of the game? expand_more
Expect plenty of boards, production cards, resource tokens, connection markers, and, of course, your helper meeples. It's a game with a lot going on on the table!
Who is Craftsmen best suited for? expand_more
It's a perfect fit for anyone who loves economic games with resource management, worker placement, and a good strategic challenge. If you enjoy optimizing production chains and planning every step, you'll have a blast.
Is there much player interaction? expand_more
Interaction is primarily indirect. You'll be competing for action spaces, resources in auctions, and trying to grab the best cards before your opponents, but without direct confrontation.
What is the ultimate goal in Craftsmen? expand_more
The goal is to accumulate the most appreciation points over three years of gameplay by constructing buildings, producing goods, trading, and sending products to distant lands. Whoever has the most points at the end wins the mayor's recognition!
