Hamlet: By the Lake

Mighty Boards · Board game · 2024
7.0 Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.8/5
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7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoyed the original Hamlet and crave more strategic depth, this expansion is a must-have! It introduces new mechanics that integrate seamlessly, making the game even more engaging.

Highlights
  • More control and options
  • Variability each game
  • New thematic synergies
  • Expands base game well
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Increased complexity
  • Additional learning curve
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

Get ready to expand your villages and build by the lakeside in Hamlet: By the Lake! This expansion brings an incredible freshness to the base game, introducing lake formation, boat building, and fishing as new activities. Just imagine: you'll shape the game's very scenery with modular tiles, creating the perfect aquatic landscape for your strategies. Furthermore, the expansion enhances resource management, giving you more control and options to optimize your production and trade routes. Feeding your villagers with seasonal meals isn't just for a thematic touch; these meals grant special abilities, adding an extra layer of planning and synergy. If you already enjoy Hamlet's building and economic vibe, this expansion elevates the strategy level, adding more variability and customization to each game. It's a chance to refine your tactics and explore new combinations, making every playthrough a unique and challenging experience. Perfect for those seeking more depth and options in the Hamlet universe!

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Hamlet: By the Lake Portuguese · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Donkeys Animals: Fish / Fishes Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia
Publisher Mighty Boards
Designer David Chircop, Johnathan Harrington
Artist Max Kosek, Yusuf Artun

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,088owners
144wishlist
21want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game Hamlet to play Hamlet: By the Lake?
Yes, absolutely! This expansion adds new elements to the main game, so you need to own the original Hamlet to play with the new features.
Does Hamlet: By the Lake make the game more complicated?
It adds more layers of strategy and options, which might slightly increase complexity. However, for those already familiar with the base game, adapting to the new rules is quite smooth and rewarding.
How long does a game with the expansion take?
Games generally fall within the same timeframe as the base game, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the new rules.
How many players can participate?
Just like the base game, the expansion is for 1 to 4 players. It works well at all player counts, offering different challenges.
What has changed in the core mechanics?
The expansion introduces lake formation, boat building, and fishing, along with seasonal meals that grant special abilities to villagers. This adds more variability and control over resources.
Who is this expansion recommended for?
It's ideal for players who already enjoy Hamlet and want more depth, more strategic options, and even greater replayability. If you like building and economic games, you'll love it!