Pax Viking

Ion Game Design, Sierra Madre Games, 500 Nuances de Geek · Board game · 2021
8.0 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 1–6 · best 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 3.3/5
Buy · from US$ 42.57
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy historical games with plenty of interaction and multiple paths to victory, Pax Viking might be your next obsession! It's an epic journey into the Viking East packed with strategy.

Highlights
  • Unique Viking theme
  • Multiple paths to victory
  • Strong player interaction
  • Robust solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be dense
  • Initial learning curve
  • Can take time to ramp up
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare for a trip back to the 10th century in Pax Viking, where you step into the shoes of an ambitious Swedish Jarl! Forget the Vikings who only raided Western Europe; here, the action heads east, towards the trade routes of Persia and the Black Sea. You're a natural opportunist, ready to wield silver or axe, whichever is more advantageous at the moment. The goal? Increase your family's power through shrewd trading, strategic alliances, and perhaps some less-than-honest maneuvers, all to become the first king of Sweden.

The game offers four distinct paths to glory: strengthen a unified Sweden by focusing on trade and connections; expand the influence of new eastern settlements (Rus); embrace the growing Christian theocracy; or maintain the decentralized, raid-oriented structure of the Jarldom. Each path presents its own challenges and rewards. You'll need to navigate negotiations, wisely manage your hand of cards, and expand your influence across the board, using area movement and tile placement to optimize your actions. The variable setup ensures each game is different, and unique player powers add an extra layer of strategy. Pax Viking also shines in its solo mode, offering a worthy challenge for those who prefer to play alone. It's a historical simulation that immerses you in the political and economic complexities of the era, with a touch of Norse mythology to spice up the journey.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players
1 OK
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia History: Viking Expansion Misc: LongPack Games Mythology: Norse Series: Pax Theme: Vikings
Publisher Ion Game Design, Sierra Madre Games, 500 Nuances de Geek, Corax Games, Ediciones MasQueOca, Galakta
Designer Jon Manker
Artist Madeleine Fjäll

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,727owners
610wishlist
70want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Pax Viking?
A game of Pax Viking typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play Pax Viking?
The game is designed for 1 to 6 players, making it versatile for both solo sessions and larger groups.
Is the game very complex? What is its weight?
Pax Viking has a medium-high weight (3.31/5 on BGG), indicating that the rules can be a bit dense and there's an initial learning curve, but the strategic depth rewards the effort.
Do I need to know English to play Pax Viking?
Ludopedia indicates 'Moderate Language Dependency,' suggesting it's advisable to have a translated spreadsheet or translated cards to facilitate gameplay, especially in the first few plays.
Who would you recommend Pax Viking for?
We recommend Pax Viking for players who appreciate historical games with less-explored themes (Eastern Vikings), enjoy negotiation, hand management, and multiple paths to victory. It's also a great choice for fans of the Pax series and those looking for a good solo game.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Yes, Pax Viking strongly encourages interaction through negotiation and competition for influence and area control on the board.

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