—
rating
Ludopedia
7.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
A frantic and clever engine builder for those who love optimizing resources.
Highlights
- Highly satisfying factory combos
- Fast-paced simultaneous play
- Great replayability with diverse blueprints
- Excellent integrated solo mode
Keep in mind
- Moderate reliance on dice luck
- Requires constant attention to the market
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
Get ready for a full-blown industrial arms race! In Fantastic Factories, you aren't just building structures; you are engineering an ultra-efficient production machine to dominate the market. The goal is straightforward but the execution is a puzzle: manufacture as many goods as possible and construct the most prestigious buildings before your rivals seize control.
The gameplay is split into two key phases. First, the market phase, where you decide whether to grab a new blueprint for free or pay to hire contractors to bolster your strategy. Then comes the work phase, where the real action happens. In this phase, everyone plays simultaneously! You roll your dice and use them as workers to run your factories. But don't rely solely on luck: you can build training facilities to manipulate your dice values, turning a bad roll into a masterstroke.
The game truly shines through its engine-building mechanics. Each factory you construct can be utilized in various ways, and the sequence in which you perform your actions can be the difference between massive profits and total failure. With over 30 unique blueprints and endless synergies, every session feels fresh. If you enjoy engine-building games where every decision matters and the pace is brisk, this is your next obsession. And if you're flying solo, no worries—the game also features excellent solo modes to test your management skills!
The gameplay is split into two key phases. First, the market phase, where you decide whether to grab a new blueprint for free or pay to hire contractors to bolster your strategy. Then comes the work phase, where the real action happens. In this phase, everyone plays simultaneously! You roll your dice and use them as workers to run your factories. But don't rely solely on luck: you can build training facilities to manipulate your dice values, turning a bad roll into a masterstroke.
The game truly shines through its engine-building mechanics. Each factory you construct can be utilized in various ways, and the sequence in which you perform your actions can be the difference between massive profits and total failure. With over 30 unique blueprints and endless synergies, every session feels fresh. If you enjoy engine-building games where every decision matters and the pace is brisk, this is your next obsession. And if you're flying solo, no worries—the game also features excellent solo modes to test your management skills!
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
-
Fantastic Factories - How To Play
-
JonGetsGames - Fantastic Factories Full Playthrough
-
Fantastic Factories - How to Play & Why it's good!
-
FANTASTIC FACTORIES - Quick Tutorial and SOLO Playthrough
-
HOW TO PLAY Fantastic Factories
-
And That's How You Play...FANTASTIC FACTORIES! Learn the Dice Placement/Card Building Game with Barb!
-
WHAT'S NEW Fantastic Factories Solo Mode
-
Fantastic Factories Board Game – How to Play & Setup in 10 Minutes
-
How to Play Fantastic Factories - Girls Game Shelf
-
Relearn Fantastic Factories - Meeple Motivators
-
Tom Teaches Fantastic Factories (Multi-Player Setup)
-
WHAT'S NEW Fantastic Factories PROMO CARDS, plus PLAYTHROUGH
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
5
REC
Loading playlist...
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Metafactory Games, BoardM Factory, Broadway Toys LTD, Deep Water Games, Lucky Duck Games, Maldito Games, MeepleBR, Portal Games, Reflexshop, Strohmann Games
Designer
Joseph Z. Chen, Justin Faulkner
Artist
Joseph Z. Chen
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It has good depth, but the rules are straightforward. The real challenge lies in learning how to create the best combos, not in understanding the mechanics.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 45 and 60 minutes, making it a great mid-length strategy game.
Does it work well with only 2 players?
Yes! The game scales very well and maintains competitive tension.
Does the dice luck ruin the strategy?
Not really, because the game provides tools (like training facilities) to manipulate and mitigate luck.
Who is this game for?
For fans of engine builders and players who enjoy dynamic resource management.