Guilds of London

Surprised Stare Games Ltd, 2Tomatoes Games, Broadway Toys LTD · Board game · 2016
1–4 · best 4 Solo 45–90 min Weight 3.1/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
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7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy area domination and hand management, Guilds of London serves it up in a richly themed setting.

Highlights
  • Rewarding area control
  • Strategic hand management
  • Variable modular board
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Simple components
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About the game
London, the biggest and wealthiest English metropolis during the medieval and early modern eras, was ruled by powerful guilds. Each guild controlled a trade sector—manufacturing, shipping, finance—and its members—aristocrats, burghers and lords—held high civic offices such as the Lord Mayor and aldermen. In Guilds of London you become a liveryman seeking to spread influence by placing representatives in the most advantageous guilds. The modular board depicts various city districts, and each game reshuffles the layout, demanding fresh tactics.

The Area Majority / Influence mechanic means that controlling a guild grants victory points and extra actions, so placement decisions are critical. Multi‑use cards serve as resources, actions or markers, requiring solid hand management to avoid waste. Beyond the London guilds you can invest in the lucrative Ulster and Virginia plantations, which provide trade bonuses and extra scoring. The game supports 1‑4 players, lasts 45‑90 minutes, and carries a moderate complexity (weight 3/5). If you enjoy area‑control, influence games with a historic flavor, Guilds of London offers an engaging, not overly heavy, experience.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: London (England, UK) Components: Multi-Use Cards Crowdfunding: Verkami Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
Publisher Surprised Stare Games Ltd, 2Tomatoes Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Czacha Games, Frosted Games, Tasty Minstrel Games
Designer Tony Boydell
Artist Charlie Paull, Klemens Franz, Pedro Soto, Tony Boydell
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
1 to 4 players, with a solo mode included in the base rules.
How long does a game take?
Typically 45–90 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity.
What is the game's complexity?
Rated 3/5 on BGG – moderate; easy to learn but offers strategic depth.
What components are in the box?
Modular board, multi‑use cards, liveryman markers, point tokens and plantation pieces.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, although hand management and area influence require a bit of practice.
Can I play without expansions?
Absolutely; the base game contains all core mechanics, while expansions add solo variants and new scenarios.
Is there a 2‑player variant?
The standard rules work fine for two players, and an optional variant adds extra competition for areas.