# Ostia: Mariner Edition ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2026 - **BGG Rating**: 8.5 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 100-120 min - **Weight**: 3.00 / 5 - **Designers**: Totsuca Chuo - **Artists**: Jason Harris, Rocinante Urabe, Stephanie Katz, Sunny (SuiWorks) - **Publishers**: Crafty Games - **Categories**: Ancient, City Building, Nautical - **Mechanics**: Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Income, Mancala, Resource to Move, Rondel, Set Collection, Track Movement, Variable Set-up ## Verdict If you enjoy strategic games with a race element and resource management, Ostia: Mariner Edition is a fantastic choice! It's the definitive version of a classic, with everything you need to dive into Ancient Rome, managing your fleet and building your maritime empire. The experience is deep, but usability improvements make it more accessible, even for newcomers.Clever mancala mechanicComplete 'big box' editionUsability enhancementsEngaging themeHigh replayabilityPirates expansion not includedNo dual-layer boardsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Ostia: Mariner Edition is the definitive version of a modern classic, combining mancala-driven resource management with a strategic race across the sea routes of ancient Rome. Your mission is to build a mighty merchant fleet and establish a sprawling network of ports across the ocean. Gather vital trade goods, exotic beasts, and the support of the nobility to secure your place in history. This grand 'big box' edition integrates the base game with the Merchants and Patronus expansions, plus deluxe content and a custom storage solution, all for a smoother and enhanced experience. While it doesn't include the Pirates expansion or double-layer boards (due to publisher restrictions), Crafty Games focused on significant usability improvements without altering the core gameplay. Among the novelties are jumbo-sized reference cards, detailing turn steps and scoring, making learning easier. The 'Order/Deliver' icon was redesigned to avoid confusion, and the main board received a cleaner look, with improved fonts and adjusted colors for accessibility. Asset boards were simplified, with decluttered textures and clearer triumph icons. Nearly all tiles and tokens were revised to include 'immediate' and 'endgame' icons, improving benefit comprehension. Order cards had their secondary costs enlarged and a more consistent design. The free action received new iconography and direct reference on the harbor board. Finally, the scorepad was completely redesigned to be more intuitive, with simplified cells and subtler art. Everything is designed for you to dive headfirst into ancient Rome! ## FAQ ### How many players does Ostia: Mariner Edition support and what is the average game duration? The game is ideal for 1 to 4 players, and sessions typically last between 100 and 120 minutes. Get ready for a robust strategic session! ### What is the complexity level of the game? Ostia: Mariner Edition is considered a medium-complexity game (BGG weight 3/5). It offers strategic depth without being overly punishing, and this edition's improvements make the experience smoother. ### Does this edition include all expansions? It includes the Merchants and Patronus expansions, plus deluxe content. However, the Pirates expansion and double-layer boards are not present in this version. ### What are the main improvements of this Mariner Edition compared to the original game? Improvements focus on usability, with detailed reference cards, redesigned icons for clarity, a main board with cleaner fonts and accessible colors, and a more intuitive scorepad. All for a more enjoyable experience! ### Who is Ostia: Mariner Edition for? It's perfect for players who enjoy strategic eurogames with resource management, mechanics like mancala and rondel, and a theme of building and trade in Ancient Rome. If you like to plan and optimize, you'll love it! ### Are the components of good quality? Yes, the edition includes deluxe content and a custom storage solution, indicating a focus on quality and a premium component experience. ### Is the game language dependent? Ludopedia indicates that the game has no significant language dependence, which is great for players from diverse backgrounds!