Maracaibo
Game's Up, BoardM Factory, Capstone Games · Board game · 2019
1–4 · best 3
Solo
30–120 min
Weight 3.9/5
Buy · from US$ 67.16
8.5
rating
Ludopedia
7.9
rating
BGG
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Soundtrack
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Step by step, manual and videos
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy complex Eurogames with deep strategy and a thematic flair, Maracaibo is a fantastic choice that will keep you engaged for hours!
Highlights
- Well-integrated mechanics
- Engaging campaign mode
- High replayability
- Great for solo play
- Impactful decisions
Keep in mind
- Initial learning curve
- Can be lengthy
- Indirect interaction
About the game
What you do in a play session
In Maracaibo, a robust strategy game for 1 to 4 players designed by Alexander Pfister, you are transported to the vibrant 17th-century Caribbean. Your mission is clear: navigate treacherous waters and influence three distinct nations over four intense rounds, each lasting approximately 40 minutes per player. Prepare for a maritime journey where your decisions determine the fate of your fleet and your fortune.
The Maracaibo board is a circular map of the Caribbean, where your ship will visit various cities. At each stop, you'll have the opportunity to perform a series of strategic actions, from delivering valuable goods to completing lucrative contracts. Managing your hand of cards is crucial, a familiar element for those acquainted with Pfister's games, allowing you to optimize your actions and plan your moves in advance.
One of Maracaibo's most captivating features is its quest-driven campaign mode. Across various board tiles, an engaging narrative unfolds, inviting players to follow a story and delve deeper into the game's universe. Furthermore, the Spanish and Portuguese editions already include the 'La Armada' mini-expansion within the base game box, adding even more depth and strategic options to your experience. Prepare your ships, the Caribbean awaits!
The Maracaibo board is a circular map of the Caribbean, where your ship will visit various cities. At each stop, you'll have the opportunity to perform a series of strategic actions, from delivering valuable goods to completing lucrative contracts. Managing your hand of cards is crucial, a familiar element for those acquainted with Pfister's games, allowing you to optimize your actions and plan your moves in advance.
One of Maracaibo's most captivating features is its quest-driven campaign mode. Across various board tiles, an engaging narrative unfolds, inviting players to follow a story and delve deeper into the game's universe. Furthermore, the Spanish and Portuguese editions already include the 'La Armada' mini-expansion within the base game box, adding even more depth and strategic options to your experience. Prepare your ships, the Caribbean awaits!
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Game in a Nutshell - Maracaibo (how to play)
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Maracaibo Tutorial & Playthrough - JonGetsGames
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Pit Stop: Maracaibo
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Learn to Play Maracaibo
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Maracaibo Learn to Play
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Singular Stars: Maracaibo Solo Setup
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Maracaibo - Part 2: how to play | JLTEI
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Maracaibo. Start Playing in 14 Minutes. Quick Start Board Game Tutorial
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Maracaibo Rules Challenge
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Maracaibo - Part 1: game set up | JLTEI
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Rules Speed Through with John LaRuffa - Maracaibo
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How do you win Maracaibo? - Friendly Ties Podcast
Rules manual
Official PDF file
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Game's Up, BoardM Factory, Capstone Games, dlp games, Ediciones MasQueOca, Fishbone Games
Designer
Alexander Pfister
Artist
Aline Kirrmann, Fiore GmbH
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
25,169owners
6,625wishlist
732want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Maracaibo?
A game of Maracaibo can last between 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of players. The designer estimates about 40 minutes per player, so a 4-player game can easily exceed 2 hours.
How many players can play Maracaibo?
Maracaibo can be played by 1 to 4 players. The solo mode is highly praised, offering a challenging and rewarding experience.
What is the complexity level of Maracaibo?
Maracaibo is considered a highly complex game, with a BGG weight of 3.92/5. It features several interconnected mechanics and requires long-term strategic planning, making it more suitable for experienced players.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with a modular board representing the Caribbean, ship miniatures, hundreds of multi-use cards, influence markers, goods tokens, and individual player boards for managing resources and actions.
Is there much player interaction in Maracaibo?
Interaction in Maracaibo is primarily indirect. Players compete for influence in nations, for better positions on the board, and to complete contracts before others, but there is no direct ship-to-ship combat.
What is the campaign mode and how does it work?
Maracaibo's campaign mode is a series of narrative quests that unfold over multiple plays. It adds story elements and variable objectives, allowing players to explore the game's world more immersively and unlock new elements.
Does the 'La Armada' mini-expansion come with the base game?
Yes, the Spanish and Portuguese editions of Maracaibo include the 'La Armada' mini-expansion within the base game box, adding more content and strategic options from the start.
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