# Neanderthal

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #2067
- **Players**: 1-3 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 3.78 / 5
- **Designers**: Phil Eklund
- **Artists**: Karim Chakroun, Phil Eklund
- **Publishers**: Sierra Madre Games, Banana Games, Fox in the Box, Ion Game Design
- **Categories**: Card Game, Economic, Prehistoric
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Dice Rolling, Events, Negotiation, Simulation, Worker Placement

## Verdict
If you love a solid blend of history and strategy, Neanderthal offers a deep, rewarding experience.Unique mix of mechanicsImmersive themeHigh replay valueModerate learning curveComponents need translationRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Neanderthal you travel back to 43,000 BC, the icy European Ice Age, and take control of one of three human species: Archaic, Neanderthal or Cro‑Magnon. Each species has its own character cards, but the core loop is the same – you allocate your workers (men, women and elders) to different board spaces to hunt Pleistocene megafauna, teach vocabulary to children, develop fire, warfare, inventions or animal domestication. Actions are resolved through auctions, dice rolls and event cards that can shift the climate or unleash hungry predators.\n\nYour mating strategy – promiscuous, harem or pair‑bonding – decides which resources count toward victory. Depending on that choice, the score may value hunters, elders, accumulated vocabulary, trophies, inventions or domesticated animals. The game blends worker placement, bidding and player negotiation, as you can trade vocabulary cards or hunting agreements. A single play lasts 60‑120 minutes, supports 1‑3 players and carries a medium complexity (3.8/5), perfect for fans of pre‑historic themes who want strategic depth without overwhelming rules. When the civilization reaches a certain level, Neanderthal links seamlessly into its companion game Greenland, allowing a smooth transition to the next glacial era. In short, it mixes history, economics and a dash of tribal drama, all wrapped in beautifully illustrated cards and quality components.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
1 to 3 players, perfect for small groups.

### How long does a game last?
Typically 60‑120 minutes, depending on player count and chosen strategy.

### What is the complexity level?
Rated 3.8/5 on BGG – medium, with clear rules but many interacting systems.

### What components are included?
Character cards, event cards, resource tokens, dice, a worker placement board, and vocabulary markers.

### Do I need to read another language?
Yes, most text is in English; a basic understanding or translation help is recommended.

### Can I play solo?
Yes, there is a solo mode that simulates an AI opponent using event cards.

### Is there an expansion or linked game?
Neanderthal links to the companion game Greenland, letting you continue the saga into a new glacial era.

## Price Comparison
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