Pencilvillage

(Web published) · Board game · 2019
9.0 Ludopedia 7.3 BGG 1 · best 1 Solo 45–60 min Weight 2.5/5
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9.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a solo game that's a true strategic puzzle and fits in the palm of your hand, Pencilvillage is for you! The variety of setups ensures there's no monotony.

Highlights
  • Absurdly high setup variety
  • Surprisingly strategic depth
  • Engaging solo gameplay
  • Lean and quick rules
Keep in mind
  • Requires translation to play
  • Strictly solo focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for Pencilvillage, a solo game that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Here, you are the architect and protector of a village that grows with each round. You have 30 turns to expand your territory, develop a robust economy, and even venture into dangerous dungeons in search of treasures. Each turn, you choose three actions from various options, which become increasingly interesting as your village develops. But beware, random events can either help you or mess things up! The objective is clear: fulfill the goal you set at the start of the game and, of course, survive until the end. The beauty of Pencilvillage lies in its flexibility. With 25 objectives, 15 characters with unique abilities, 26 modifications, and 4 distinct maps, each game is a new and challenging experience. You build your village on the surface, managing resources and defending it from attacks, while sending your heroes to explore dark dungeons in the underworld. All of this with just two sheets of paper! The rules are lean, the actions simplified, and the trackers well-thought-out, but the strategic depth is surprising. You'll have to balance priorities, think long-term, and make tough decisions that truly matter. It's an engaging puzzle that fits in your pocket and challenges you with every move. Just don't forget it requires translation to be played!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Players: Solitaire Only Games
Publisher (Web published)
Designer Andrew Backhouse

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

131owners
57wishlist

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players is Pencilvillage for?
It's a game strictly for one player (solo).
How long does a game take?
Generally, a game lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Do I need to print a lot to play?
No! All the rules, tables, and components fit on just two sheets of paper, making it a print-and-play game.
Is the game difficult to learn?
The rules are quite simplified and straightforward, but the strategic depth is considerable. It's easy to pick up but challenging to master.
What makes each game different?
The combination of 25 different objectives, 15 unique characters, 26 rule modifications, and 4 maps ensures a very varied experience each game.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game requires a considerable amount of translation to be played, as the text is essential for gameplay.

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