8.9
rating
Ludopedia
8.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love deep farm planning and don't mind heavy thinking, this game is gold — especially for two players who enjoy friendly competition.
Highlights
- Dense and rewarding scoring
- Multiple paths to profit
- Surprisingly good solo mode
- Beautiful wooden components
- Theme tightly woven into mechanics
Keep in mind
- Long game even for two
- Steep learning curve
- First play can feel overwhelming
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Learn How to Play Step by Step
Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
Fields of Arle drops you into the peaceful town of Arle in East Frisia, where you live the life of a farmer growing flax, raising livestock, and managing land over the course of four and a half years. The game spans nine semesters split between summer and winter, and each season unlocks different actions. Harvest flax in the fall, shear sheep in spring, milk your cattle, or dry out bogs for peat — the choices are yours. At its core, the game is about heavy land work: building dikes to hold back the water, draining marshes for peat extraction, and clearing new plots for crops or animals. At the start of each half-year you decide how to spend your time — invest in the Master for better tools, train your livestock, build a fleet of vehicles, or simply harvest what you planted. At the end of each half-year you unload your vehicles, feed your family and animals, and tally your points. The more goods you ship out into the world, the more Travel Experience you earn — and the more points stack up over the nearly five years of play. A solo mode is included, so if your buddy bails last minute you are not left hanging. There are many roads to profit: focus on flax, diversify with peat and timber, or bet on livestock and vehicles. Every choice opens some doors and closes others, and timing matters as much as what you do.
GALLERY
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In English
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Feuerland Spiele, 999 Games, Filosofia Éditions, Games Factory Publishing, Grok Games, Mandala Jogos
Designer
Uwe Rosenberg
Artist
Dennis Lohausen
Does it play well with two players?
Yes, it plays great with two — and that's actually the most common way to play. The solo mode is also solid, so you don't need a partner to enjoy it.
How long does a game take?
Between 60 and 120 minutes. Depending on the players' pace and how detailed each decision gets, it can stretch a bit.
Is it hard to learn?
The first play can be challenging because the interactions between seasons and resources are numerous. Once you get the hang of it, the flow becomes natural.
Does it have a solo mode?
Yes, and the solo mode is well-designed. If you play alone and enjoy strategic puzzles, it's definitely worth trying.
Are the components good?
Yes — wooden pieces, a beautiful board, and animal meeples. The production quality is typical of Uwe Rosenberg: charming and functional.
Who is this game for?
For people who enjoy heavy management games, prefer decisions with long-term consequences, and aren't afraid of something with a weight of 3.8. If you already liked Agricola or Quern, you'll feel right at home.