Great Western Trail: Second Edition

eggertspiele, Arclight Games, CoolPlay · Board game · 2021
9.0 Ludopedia 8.3 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 75–150 min Weight 3.7/5
Buy · from R$ 911,11
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.3 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a dense eurogame with plenty of strategy and an engaging theme, Great Western Trail: Second Edition is a perfect fit. Get ready to manage cattle and build an empire in the Wild West!

Highlights
  • Well-integrated mechanics
  • Strategic depth
  • High-quality components
  • Challenging solo mode
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long play time
  • Can be punishing
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Howdy, partner! Ever imagined being a rancher in the American Wild West, driving your cattle from Texas all the way to bustling Kansas City? In Great Western Trail: Second Edition, that's your mission! You'll guide your herd, ship them by train, and, of course, rake in some cash and victory points. But it's not just about herding cattle, mind you. The 'Great Western Trail' demands that you keep your livestock in top shape and wisely utilize the buildings along the trail. Think about it: hiring cowboys to improve your herd, craftsmen to erect your own buildings, or engineers to optimize the railroad line can make all the difference. The goal is to arrive in Kansas City with the most valuable cattle, but the path is full of strategic decisions. Manage your herd intelligently, navigate opportunities, and avoid pitfalls to secure the highest score and become the best rancher. This Second Edition comes with a complete overhaul, featuring brand new artwork by Chris Quilliams and dual-layered player boards, which are a real luxury! Now, you can play solo with a challenging new opponent, perfect for those who enjoy a solitary challenge. Additionally, the edition introduces a new breed of cows (the fancy Simmental!), two brand new reversible buildings, twelve 'Exchange Tokens' for more player interaction (a novelty from the Rails of North expansion), and four 'Master Tiles' to further spice up strategy and replayability. It's an acclaimed game that invites you to saddle up and live this epic adventure!

Expansions

Published additional content

2 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

8 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Great Western Trail: Second Edition English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Animals: Cattle / Cows Cities: Kansas City (Missouri, USA) Components: Control Boards Country: USA Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Great Western Trail
Publisher eggertspiele, Arclight Games, CoolPlay, Delta Vision Publishing, Ediciones MasQueOca, Galápagos Jogos
Designer Alexander Pfister
Artist Chris Quilliams

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

26,145owners
5,464wishlist
540want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play Great Western Trail: Second Edition?
The game supports 1 to 4 players. The Second Edition introduced a very well-implemented solo mode, perfect for those who want to embark on an adventure alone!
What is the average playtime for a game?
Get ready for a journey! A game can take anywhere from 75 to 150 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules. It's a game to savor.
What is the complexity level of the game?
It's considered a highly complex game (BGG weight of 3.70/5). It features many layers of strategy and important decisions, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced players.
What are the main game mechanics?
You'll find a fantastic combination of deck building, hand management, set collection, and trail movement. All designed to simulate the life of a rancher in the Wild West.
What's new in the Second Edition compared to the first?
Lots! New artwork, dual-layered player boards, a dedicated solo mode, a new cow breed (Simmental), reversible buildings, 'Exchange Tokens' for more interaction, and 'Master Tiles' to increase strategy and replayability.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of heavy eurogames who love strategic planning, action optimization, and a well-integrated theme. If you enjoy games that make you think with every turn, this one is for you!

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