# Java

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2000
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #1616
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 120 min
- **Weight**: 3.38 / 5
- **Designers**: Michael Kiesling, Wolfgang Kramer
- **Artists**: Franz Vohwinkel
- **Publishers**: Ravensburger AG, Rio Grande Games
- **Categories**: City Building
- **Mechanics**: Action Points, Area Majority / Influence, Layering, Tile Placement

## Verdict
If you love city building and area control, Java will hook you with its 3D layers and tactical choices.Engaging city‑buildingStunning 3D componentsConstant player interactionLong playtimeModerate learning curveRECOMMENDED

## Description
Java transports players to a lush Indonesian island where the central region remains a virgin land of fertile soil and abundant resources. Each participant takes on the role of a Javanese ruler eager to leave a mark, bringing culture, infrastructure, and power to this untamed area. At the start you receive action points that can be spent irrigating fields, planting rice, erecting villages and eventually turning those villages into palaces and cities. The board is built by tile placement, and as tiles stack, layers emerge, adding complexity and new scoring opportunities. Area control is also crucial: dominating a region grants influence and bonuses that can swing the game in the final moments.\n\nScoring revolves around fame points earned by expanding palaces, creating irrigation systems, and hosting royal festivals. Every action costs action points, forcing you to balance rapid development with long‑term planning. The game lasts two to four hours, with a steady pace and constant player interaction – whether blocking a rival's expansion or contesting majority in a valuable zone. As the second title in the Mask Trilogy, Java blends the strategic depth of Tikal with a more exotic aesthetic, using 3‑D components that give the island’s terrain a tangible feel. If you love city‑building, resource management, and tactical decisions, Java delivers a rich, visually striking experience with twists right up to the final scoring.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.

### How long does a game last?
Typically 2–4 hours, depending on player count and familiarity.

### What is the complexity level?
BGG weight 3.38 – medium, with layered board and action‑point mechanics that require planning.

### What components are included?
Hexagonal terrain tiles, 3D village and palace miniatures, water markers, fame tokens, and a set of action cards.

### Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of city‑building, area‑control games, and players who enjoy exotic themes with tactile components.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 26.45 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=148097&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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