Livingstone

Playroom Entertainment, Lautapelit.fi, Schmidt Spiele · Board game · 2009
7.3 Ludopedia 6.4 BGG 2–5 · best 4 35 min Weight 2.0/5
Buy · from US$ 21.60
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy light games with a mix of strategy and luck, Livingstone is a blast. The dice-drafting system is brilliant and creates tense, fun moments!

Highlights
  • Unique dice selection mechanic
  • Immersive exploration theme
  • Great for families and beginners
  • Quick and dynamic gameplay
Keep in mind
  • High reliance on dice luck
  • May frustrate control-focused players
  • Limited interaction at 2 players
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Livingstone, you follow in the footsteps of the famous explorer David Livingstone through 19th-century Africa, collecting gems and setting up strategic camps along the Zambezi River. The game blends luck and strategy with a unique dice-drafting system: each round starts with everyone rolling dice, and you pick the highest values to take actions like collecting diamonds, earning money, or exploring new areas. But beware! Some choices can cause the mine to collapse, making everyone lose their treasures. You also need to keep Queen Victoria happy by secretly contributing coins to her chest — whoever gives the least can't win, even if they have the most points. With area majority mechanics and a dash of bluffing, Livingstone is perfect for families and groups who enjoy quick, interactive games.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Gems/Crystals Continents: Africa Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Mechanism: Dice Drafting
Publisher Playroom Entertainment, Lautapelit.fi, Schmidt Spiele
Designer Benjamin Schwer
Artist Christof Tisch, Michael Menzel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,085owners
250wishlist
59want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players is it best with?
Works best with 3-5 players. With 2, it loses some interaction.
How long does a game take?
About 35 minutes, perfect for a quick after-dinner game.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are simple and the gameplay flows intuitively.
Is it too luck-dependent?
Dice influence outcomes, but you can mitigate luck with smart strategic choices.
Is there a digital version?
Yes, it's available on Board Game Arena to play online.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

7 games