Dale of Merchants

Snowdale Design, Board Game Leisure, Bragelonne Games · Board game · 2015
2–4 · best 2 30 min Weight 2.1/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 17.27
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy quick card games with a bit of interaction and cute critters, Dale of Merchants is a great pick! It's a light game that makes you think without being heavy.

Highlights
  • Fast and fun
  • Just enough interaction
  • Charming characters
  • Easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Might lack depth
  • Dice luck involved
  • Can get repetitive
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Welcome to the bustling town of Dale, the hub of commerce and renown! In "Dale of Merchants," you and your friends step into the paws of highly competitive animal merchants, all vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious local guild. The only way to gain entry is to prove you're the best in the business by winning the annual trading competition. Get ready to learn new techniques, trade valuable goods, and shrewdly manage your inventory. Each player aims to build their own merchant stall, and the first to successfully complete theirs clinches victory and a coveted passport into the legendary guild. This card game artfully blends deck and pool building, open drafting, and even a dash of 'take that' to spice up the competition. The race mechanic to complete your stall adds constant tension, while set collection ensures you'll need to think strategically about which cards to gather. With a swift playtime of around 30 minutes and suitable for 2 to 4 participants, "Dale of Merchants" is perfect for those seeking a light yet engaging experience with interesting decisions. It's an ideal game to introduce slightly more complex mechanics in an accessible way, with a weight rating around 2.1, making it quite friendly for both beginners and casual players looking for a bit more challenge. The vibrant artwork and charismatic animal characters add a special charm to the competition.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Components: Multi-Use Cards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Game: Dale of Merchants Misc: LongPack Games Occupation: Merchant Setting: Daimyria Theme: Anthropomorphic Animals
Publisher Snowdale Design, Board Game Leisure, Bragelonne Games, Devir, Fullcap Games, GaGa Games, Games7Days, Lotus Frog Games, Ludicus Games, Popcorn Games, Reflexshop, Schwerkraft-Verlag, Vendetta
Designer Sami Laakso
Artist Sami Laakso

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Dale of Merchants?
A game of Dale of Merchants usually lasts around 30 minutes, making it quite fast!
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, perfect for small groups or duels.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the complexity is considered low to moderate (weight 2.1/5), making it great for beginners or those who want something lighter.
Do I need a lot of components to play?
It's a card game, so cards are the main component. It comes with dice and other tokens, but it's quite portable.
What makes this game special?
The combination of mechanics like deck building, open drafting, and a bit of 'take that,' all wrapped in a super charming animal merchant theme!
Is it a good game for those who like interacting with others?
Yes! It features interaction through the 'take that' mechanic and open card drafting, but it's not overly aggressive.
Is it worth it for someone who already owns many card games?
If you're looking for something quick, with easy rules and a lighthearted, fun theme, it can be a worthwhile addition as a more casual option.

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