Orléans: The Plague

Orléans: The Plague is the darkest expansion yet for the classic worker placement game Orléans. The idea is to plunge the city of Orléans into a bubonic plague outbreak, adding more tension, risk, and of course more victory opportunities for those who can adapt. The expansion introduces rat cards that can reduce the number of monks available, prevent gear placement on certain locations, or require extra coins to build trading posts. It also adds corpse tokens that occupy space on the market, forcing players to plan better where to place their workers. To rid themselves of these tokens, there are indulgence cards that can be activated by pilgrimage, donations, or other conditions, and which grant end‑game victory points. The most intriguing new element is the plague doctor, a figure that appears in almost every round and can be used in various situations, providing relief and scoring. Though more complex, the expansion keeps the essence of Orléans, focusing on territory control, trade, and medieval diplomacy. Players who are already comfortable with the base game’s pace will find new challenges, while newcomers might find the learning curve a bit steep. If you enjoy games that blend history, strategy, and a touch of horror, this expansion is a great addition to your collection. The mix of new mechanics and the pandemic atmosphere adds a level of immersion that elevates the game to a more intense, memorable experience. In short, Orléans: The Plague delivers more drama, more critical decisions, and a dash of survival, keeping the fun intact.