Fief: France 1429

ASYNCRON games, Academy Games, Inc., Ediciones MasQueOca · Board game · 2015
3–6 · best 6 120–240 min Weight 3.8/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy medium-weight games with plenty of negotiation, political intrigue, and a touch of dice-based luck, Fief: France 1429 is a sure bet!

Highlights
  • Constant intrigue and negotiation
  • Well-integrated medieval theme
  • Twists with events and elections
  • Satisfying area control
Keep in mind
  • Game can drag on
  • Dice luck is influential
  • Requires an engaged group
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In Fief: France 1429, you dive into the heart of 15th-century French nobility with a single goal: become the ultimate power player! To achieve this, you must master fiefs and bishoprics, accumulating royal and ecclesiastical titles that give you the influence to elect the next Pope and King. Things get serious when you start negotiating arranged marriages between families – after all, who doesn't love a good drama filled with treachery and intrigue?

This edition brings back the classic French game with updated rules, a larger and more detailed map, and brand-new components that make the gameplay even richer. Each player commands up to four family members, who can rise to power in both the court and the church. Conquering villages within a fief earns you the title of Baron, Count, or Duke, securing victory points (VPs). If you aim to be King, prepare yourself for the election!

Within the church, your cardinals can become Bishops and, perhaps, even the Pope, granting VPs and special privileges. But beware, the path to glory is fraught with peril! Alliances can be forged (and broken) through marriages, and random events, like plagues or good harvests, can change the course of the game at any moment. Prepare for epic battles, tense negotiations, and many twists and turns in your quest for supreme power. The first player to reach 3 VPs wins, but the journey there is what truly matters!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: France Crowdfunding: Giochistarter Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Series: Fief
Publisher ASYNCRON games, Academy Games, Inc., Ediciones MasQueOca, Giochix.it, hobbity.eu
Designer Philippe Mouchebeuf
Artist Jarek Nocoń, Patrick Dallanegra
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for 6 players?
Playtime can vary significantly, but expect something between 3 to 4 hours, or even more, depending on the group's experience and the level of negotiation.
Is it a game for those who like war, or more focused on politics and negotiation?
Fief blends both well! There is combat and area control, but politics, marriage negotiations, and influence to elect the Pope and King are equally (or even more) important.
Do the random events (event cards) unbalance the game too much?
They can cause twists and add chaos, which is part of the fun and theme. More experienced players learn to mitigate risks or take advantage of them.
Do I need to know French history to play?
No! The setting is strong, but the rules and objectives are clear and don't require prior knowledge. Just enjoy the theme!
Is it a good game for couples or groups of friends?
It works very well with groups that enjoy interacting, negotiating, and even betraying each other a little. For couples, it depends on their style, but if both enjoy this type of dynamic, it can be great.
Is the complexity high?
It's considered a medium-weight game. The basic rules are accessible, but the strategic depth comes from the interactions and the multiple ways to pursue victory.