Lewis & Clark: The Expedition

Ludonaute, asmodee, Asterion Press · Board game · 2013
1–5 · best 3 Solo 120 min Weight 3.3/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 29.99
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy race games with deep hand management and tense decisions, Lewis & Clark will make you sweat to reach the Pacific!

Highlights
  • Strategic hand management
  • Exciting race
  • Multi-use cards
  • Immersive theme
  • Impactful decisions
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Can be punishing
  • Indirect interaction
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Lewis & Clark: The Expedition, you are one of the intrepid leaders who, in 1803, accepted President Thomas Jefferson's challenge: to cross the vast and unknown North American continent to be the first to reach the Pacific. Inspired by the legendary expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this board game puts each participant in command of their own team of explorers, who will be reinforced by Native Americans and trappers encountered along the journey.

The core of the game lies in the astute management of your characters and collected resources. Prepare for a constant dilemma: each card you activate needs to be combined with another, which then becomes temporarily unavailable. This means you are always deciding between using a card for its main action or sacrificing it to boost another. Frugality often proves more valuable than abundance, and timing is everything!

As the expedition progresses, you acquire new character cards, expanding your hand and building a more robust team. However, more options also mean a slower card cycle, requiring continuous optimization of your deck. This 'handbuilding' mechanic integrates perfectly with the historical theme, simulating the challenges of an epic journey. Being the first to reach the Pacific coast is not just a matter of speed, but of seizing opportunities and leveraging opponents' positions. A true strategic race!

Expansions

Published additional content

2 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

9 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Lewis & Clark: The Expedition English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Lewis & Clark Historical Figures: Lewis & Clark History: Oregon Trail
Publisher Ludonaute, asmodee, Asterion Press, EVA GAMES, GateOnGames, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Cédrick Chaboussit
Artist Vincent Dutrait

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Lewis & Clark?
A game of Lewis & Clark typically lasts between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules. It's a game that requires planning and attention, so set aside a good amount of time at the table!
How many players can participate?
Lewis & Clark can be played by 1 to 5 players. The solo mode is quite challenging and a great way to learn the game's nuances, while with more players, the competition for routes and resources becomes even more intense.
Is it a very complex game for beginners?
Lewis & Clark has a medium-heavy weight (3.32/5 on BGG), meaning it requires a bit more dedication to learn. The multi-use card mechanic and resource management can be an initial challenge, but the strategic reward is well worth it for those who enjoy thinking.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with a modular board representing the river and mountains, many resource tokens (wood, fur, food), explorer meeples, canoes, and, of course, a robust deck of character and equipment cards, which are the heart of the gameplay.
Who is Lewis & Clark best suited for?
It's ideal for players who love Euro-style strategy games, with a focus on resource management, action optimization, and a good dose of long-term planning. If you enjoy a brainy challenge and the feeling of overcoming obstacles in an epic race, this one's for you!
Are there any expansions for the game?
As of now, Lewis & Clark: The Expedition does not have any official expansions released. The base game already offers a complete and highly replayable experience, with the variety of cards and the order of appearance of resource tokens.

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