7.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy heavy optimization and resource management games, Lignum is a treat! Managing your lumber mill from scratch to profit is an addictive challenge.
Highlights
- Deep strategic planning
- Sharp resource management
- Satisfying production chain
- Expansion adds value
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve
- Strong indirect interaction
- Theme might not appeal
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In Lignum (Second Edition), you take the helm of a 19th-century lumber mill, aiming to make it the most profitable in the region. Starting with limited resources and a handful of workers, success hinges on savvy investments and meticulous planning. Competition is fierce, so be ready to secure the best cutting areas, manage scarce contract workers, and keep your equipment updated and running smoothly.
However, rivals aren't your only concern! The harsh winter demands that you store enough firewood and food to ensure survival. Each round, you and other players venture into the forest to gather tools and hire labor. After felling timber, the decision is yours: how will you transport the wood? Process it at the mill or sell it immediately? Optimizing this entire production chain is the ultimate challenge.
The second edition includes the "Joinery & Buildings" expansion, adding two new locations to your supply path. Here, you can acquire special buildings that grant unique, permanent abilities, or hire joiners who, if supplied with the right wood, can generate significant extra income by the game's end. It's a strategic optimization game that places you at the heart of the logging industry, demanding tough decisions at every turn.
However, rivals aren't your only concern! The harsh winter demands that you store enough firewood and food to ensure survival. Each round, you and other players venture into the forest to gather tools and hire labor. After felling timber, the decision is yours: how will you transport the wood? Process it at the mill or sell it immediately? Optimizing this entire production chain is the ultimate challenge.
The second edition includes the "Joinery & Buildings" expansion, adding two new locations to your supply path. Here, you can acquire special buildings that grant unique, permanent abilities, or hire joiners who, if supplied with the right wood, can generate significant extra income by the game's end. It's a strategic optimization game that places you at the heart of the logging industry, demanding tough decisions at every turn.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
Capstone Games
Designer
Alexander Huemer
Artist
Christoph Clasen
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for 2 players?
For 2 players, expect around 90 to 120 minutes, depending on familiarity with the rules and strategy.
Is the game very complex? Is it for beginners?
Lignum is considered an 'expert' game, with a weight of 4.1/5 on BGG. It requires significant planning and optimization, making it more suitable for experienced players.
Is the player interaction direct or indirect?
Interaction is primarily indirect, through competition for limited resources, workers, and action spaces. There is no direct combat.
Is the 'Joinery & Buildings' expansion essential?
The expansion adds more depth and strategic options, especially with buildings that grant unique abilities. Many consider it a great addition, but the base game is already robust.
How many components are in the box?
The second edition comes with a good number of components, including the main board, individual player boards, worker meeples, resource markers (wood, food, firewood), cards, and other elements to simulate the lumber industry.
Is this a game that rewards repeat plays?
Yes! As an optimization game, exploring different strategies, learning to use the expansion's building abilities, and managing workers more efficiently greatly rewards replayability.
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