Lost Cities: Rivals

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Group SNE · Board game · 2018
2–4 · best 3, 4 40 min Weight 1.9/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy the Lost Cities vibe but want more interaction and a dash of auctioning, Rivals could be a great pick! It's a quick game that tests your negotiation skills and your wallet.

Highlights
  • Tense and fun auctions
  • Set collection with twists
  • Fast and to the point
  • Guaranteed player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Coin management is crucial
  • Auctions can be unpredictable
  • Luck in card draws
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for another adventure in search of lost treasures in Lost Cities: Rivals! If you enjoy the vibe of the Lost Cities series but want an extra dash of competition, this one's for you. The idea is to build expeditions in five different colors, placing cards in ascending order, just like in the other games. The big twist here is that to send your cards on an expedition, you first need to win auctions. Yes, you'll have to spend your hard-earned coins to secure your place in the sun (or on the mountain, or in the jungle...). The game comes with a main deck of expedition cards (with numbers and wagers) and each player starts with some coins and secret wager cards. On your turn, you can reveal a card from the draw pile or start an auction with the exposed cards. Whoever makes the highest bid gets the cards and decides whether to start a new expedition or continue an existing one. Be careful, because a wager card in the right color can double, triple, or even more the value of your expedition! In the end, you score for the cards in each expedition, for the wagers you placed, for any remaining coins, and for completed expeditions. It's a game for 2 to 4 players, quick (around 40 minutes), with a touch of luck and a lot of interaction due to the auctions. If you like making quick decisions and aren't afraid of a little 'bidding war,' Lost Cities: Rivals might be your new addiction.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Game: Lost Cities Misc: LongPack Games Theme: Archaeology / Paleontology
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Group SNE, Ideal Board Games, IELLO, Kaissa Chess & Games, Land of Beautiful Mind (سرزمین ذهن زیبا)
Designer Reiner Knizia
Artist Sébastien Caiveau

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate in Lost Cities: Rivals?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
How long does a game typically last?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting around 40 minutes.
Do I need to know the other Lost Cities games to play this one?
Not necessarily! The basic rules are easy to grasp, but if you've played others in the series, you'll feel at home more quickly.
What's the main difference between this game and other Lost Cities games?
The big novelty is the auction system. You need to win auctions to place your cards in expeditions, which adds an extra layer of interaction and strategy.
Is the game very complex?
No, the complexity is considered low to medium. The rules are straightforward, but decisions in auctions and resource management can require some attention.
Does it come with many coins?
The game includes 36 coins that are distributed among players at the start and throughout the game, so managing them is an important part of the strategy.
Is it a good game for someone new to board games?
Yes, due to its speed and accessible rules, it can be a good entry point for new players, especially if they enjoy card games with a bit of competition.

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