Keltis

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Competo / Marektoy · Board game · 2008
2–4 · best 3 30 min Weight 1.6/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Buy
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Great for fans of card strategy with a Celtic twist.

Highlights
  • Flexible play order
  • Track bonuses
  • Quality components
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Watch the wish stones
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Keltis is a card‑and‑board game inspired by Lost Cities, with lighter rules and a Celtic mythic flair. Each player starts with a hand of eight colored cards, each color representing a stone path. Unlike the original, you can play cards in either ascending or descending order, giving you more control over your pace. When you play a card, the matching piece moves along the path and may land on spaces that grant instant points, bonus moves, or wish stones that help at game end. The goal is to reach space seven (or beyond) on five different paths, which ends the game. Scoring is a bit nuanced: pieces that move only a few steps incur negative points, while those that travel farther earn increasing points. Having a piece twice the height of another doubles the value, positive or negative. Wish stones also factor in: fewer than two give penalties, while five or more grant a ten‑point bonus. The game lasts about thirty minutes, works well for 2‑4 players, and is perfect for fans of hand‑management and set‑collection in a Celtic fantasy setting. The artwork is nice, the components are solid, and the learning curve is gentle yet offers enough depth for competitive play.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Ireland Game: Lost Cities Mythology: Celtic Series: Native-art line (Kosmos)
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Competo / Marektoy, Devir, Filosofia Éditions, Galakta, Kaissa Chess & Games, Korea Boardgames, Laser plus, Piatnik, Stupor Mundi, Wargames Club Publishing
Designer Reiner Knizia
Artist Claus Stephan, Martin Hoffmann

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game of Keltis last?
Typically between 25 and 35 minutes, depending on player experience.
What components are included in the game?
The set contains 120 colored cards, 5 game pieces, a board with tracks, a scoring marker, and 5 wish stones.
Is Keltis suitable for beginners?
Yes, the mechanics are straightforward, yet the card‑order strategy adds depth for seasoned players.
What’s the main difference between Keltis and Lost Cities?
Keltis lets you play cards in ascending or descending order, while Lost Cities requires ascending only; also, the final score is calculated after a single round.
What are wish stones?
Tokens collected by landing on certain spaces; they affect the final score, providing bonuses or penalties.

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