8.5
rating
Ludopedia
6.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy auctions and a dash of worker management with a medieval theme, Master Builder might be your next favorite! It's a straightforward game that makes you think about bidding and how to assemble your team.
Highlights
- Dynamic and engaging auctions
- Creative worker management
- Well-integrated medieval theme
- Quick learning curve
Keep in mind
- Workers can be stolen
- Luck in auctions matters
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Hey builders! Ready to get your hands dirty and construct a respectable medieval town? In Master Builder, we step into the shoes of builders aiming to leave their mark on the city. The game revolves around acquiring building contracts, and the smartest way to do that is by participating in auctions. Whoever places the highest bid takes the contract home!
But just having the contracts isn't enough, right? We need to get the construction underway! This is where our team of workers comes in, each with their own specialty. Building a structure requires the right combination of these professionals. Initially, we hire the crew to get the job done, but be careful! These workers are in high demand and can be 'persuaded' by other players to switch projects. It's a game that blends the excitement of auctions with the strategy of managing your workforce and collecting the right resources to complete your projects. With an economic focus and a medieval theme, Master Builder is a cool choice for those who enjoy a strategic challenge without it being overly complex. We'll have to keep an eye on opponents, the bidding, and our own team to ensure our buildings are the most impressive in town!
But just having the contracts isn't enough, right? We need to get the construction underway! This is where our team of workers comes in, each with their own specialty. Building a structure requires the right combination of these professionals. Initially, we hire the crew to get the job done, but be careful! These workers are in high demand and can be 'persuaded' by other players to switch projects. It's a game that blends the excitement of auctions with the strategy of managing your workforce and collecting the right resources to complete your projects. With an economic focus and a medieval theme, Master Builder is a cool choice for those who enjoy a strategic challenge without it being overly complex. We'll have to keep an eye on opponents, the bidding, and our own team to ensure our buildings are the most impressive in town!
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
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Valley Games, Inc., Egmont Polska
Designer
Hartmut Witt, Wolfgang Kramer
Artist
Maciej Szymanowicz, Matthias Catrein
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is Master Builder a complicated game to learn?
Not at all! The rules are quite straightforward, and you'll get the hang of it quickly. It's more about the strategic decisions you make during the game.
Does it play well with just 2 players?
Yes! It works well at all player counts, from 2 to 4. The dynamic changes a bit, but the fun remains.
Is the game more focused on luck or strategy?
It has a bit of both, but strategy plays a bigger role. The auctions bring an element of risk and reward, but managing your workers and planning your constructions is key.
How long does a game typically last?
Generally, a game takes about 60 minutes, which is great for not overstaying its welcome.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Quite a bit! Competing for contracts in auctions and the possibility of 'poaching' each other's workers create direct interaction, sometimes even a bit mischievous.
Is it a good game for someone new to board games?
Absolutely! Because it's easy to learn and has a reasonable playtime, it's a great entry point to mechanics like auctions and resource management.
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