Locomotive Werks

Queen Games, Winsome Games · Board game · 2002
3–5 · best 5 120 min Weight 2.9/5
8.2 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
8.2 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy the vibe of building a train empire and love an economic game with a touch of unpredictability, Locomotive Werks is a worthwhile trip! It's a game that challenges you to predict the market and manage your production intelligently.

Highlights
  • Dynamic market speculation
  • Engaging train theme
  • Clever production management
  • Unique obsolescence mechanic
Keep in mind
  • Market can be brutal
  • Dice roll dependency
  • Requires careful planning
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to travel back to the 19th century and dive into the frenetic expansion of German railways! In Locomotive Werks, you won't just be building tracks, but rather a locomotive empire. The goal here is clear: acquire the capability to manufacture these incredible machines, hire the necessary workforce to put them into production, and most importantly, sell them in the market. And mind you, this market is a tricky beast! It's driven by dice and can be quite volatile, so be prepared for surprises.

The main differentiator of Locomotive Werks lies precisely in its market mechanism. Technology advances at a rapid pace, and what was the latest in locomotives yesterday might be museum-piece material today. This means the demand for older models can plummet in the blink of an eye. You need to be clever to anticipate these changes, manage your inventory, and know the right time to invest in new technologies or to get rid of models that are falling behind. It's an economic game that demands foresight and a good dose of speculation, where every production and sales decision can bring you closer to victory or leave you with a pile of obsolete locomotives in the garage. If you enjoy games with a train theme and a good dose of economic strategy with a touch of unpredictability, Locomotive Werks might be your next stop.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Iron Horse Collection (Queen Games) Series: Winsome Essen Sets Theme: Trains
Publisher Queen Games, Winsome Games
Designer Dieter Danziger
Artist Harald Lieske

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

910owners
209wishlist
91want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Locomotive Werks?
The game is designed to last around 120 minutes, so set aside a good afternoon to enjoy it!
How many players can participate?
Locomotive Werks is for groups of 3 to 5 players, ideal for playing with friends who enjoy strategy.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
With a weight of 2.89/5 on BGG, it's considered moderately complex. It's not an entry-level game, but it's accessible to those with some experience in more elaborate board games.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by strategically manufacturing and selling locomotives, anticipating market changes and model obsolescence.
Is the luck factor (dice) very high?
Dice rolls influence the market, which adds an element of unpredictability. However, production and speculation strategy are what truly determine the winner.
Is this a good game for people who like train themes?
Absolutely! The theme of railways and locomotive production are central to the experience, making it a great choice for theme enthusiasts.

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