7.6
rating
Ludopedia
5.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love post‑apocalyptic strategy games with plenty of negotiation, Gearworld: The Borderlands is your next pick.
Highlights
- Engaging trade
- Skywork construction
- Strategic combat
- Miniature components
- Steampunk theme
Keep in mind
- Long playtime
- Moderate complexity
- Space requirements
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Gearworld: The Borderlands places you at the heart of a post‑apocalyptic world where the Sky People have ascended to the heavens, leaving behind rusted machines and a desolate territory. In 2 to 4 players, each scavenger tribe must gather resources, trade with others, and conquer territories to build the legendary Skyworks—massive towers that bring heat and energy back to the surface. The game blends area movement, where pieces move across large board zones, with free trade: you can swap any amount of resources with anyone, as long as the area is under your control. Resource production occurs in specific zones; you can mine coal, iron, and gold, or use transportation vehicles to haul what you need. Building a Skywork requires all materials to be in the same space, making logistics and territory control crucial. Meanwhile, enemies also try to steal your resources or block your expansion, forcing you to strengthen your fleet and defend your bases. The steampunk atmosphere adds visual flair, with detailed miniatures that heighten the combat tension. If you enjoy games that demand strategy, negotiation, and a touch of sci‑fi, Gearworld offers hours of tension and unexpected alliances. The balance between building, trading, and combat makes this title a challenge that will test even the most seasoned players.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Giochi Uniti
Designer
Bill Eberle, Jack Kittredge, Peter Olotka
Artist
Anders Finér, Peter Wocken
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,955owners
212wishlist
26want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average game duration?
Games typically last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on player count and group pace.
Who is the game recommended for?
Ideal for those who enjoy strategy, negotiation, and post‑apocalyptic settings. Players aged 10 or older with an interest in building and combat games.
What are the main components?
The game includes detailed miniatures, resource tiles, action cards, a modular board, and transportation pieces.
Do you need to set up the board before playing?
Yes, the board is assembled from modules representing various resource and territory areas.
How does the trading mechanic work?
Players can trade any amount of resources with each other, as long as the destination area is under the control of the receiving player.
Does the game feature high-quality components?
Yes, the miniatures are high quality and the board features high‑resolution printing, giving a striking steampunk look.
What is the complexity level?
The complexity is moderate: rules cover production, transport, trade, and combat, requiring focus and planning.
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