Petropolis

Borras Plana S.A., Editrice Giochi, Epoch · Board game · 1976
2–7 · best 4, 6 90 min Weight 1.4/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Buy
6.8 rating Ludopedia
5.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy the thrill of building an empire and negotiating like a shark, Petropolis is a nostalgic and fun trip into the world of oil.

Highlights
  • Engaging oil theme
  • Strategic negotiation
  • Resource production
  • Direct player interaction
  • Well-crafted components
Keep in mind
  • Roll and Move mechanic
  • Reliance on dice luck
  • Can be long for some
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Petropolis invites you to dive into the exciting and volatile world of oil, where 2 to 7 players compete to become the most powerful tycoons. Originally released in 1976, this classic puts you in charge of concessions in oil-producing countries, with the goal of controlling them, operating them, and, of course, accumulating the largest fortune in petrodollars. It's a game that, at first glance, might remind you of a certain real estate classic, but with an oily and much more dramatic twist!

The game dynamic is quite familiar: you roll the dice, move your piece around the board, and deal with the events that arise along the way. Instead of famous streets, you acquire concession titles in oil-rich nations. The traditional 'Chance' cards are replaced by 'Telex Messages,' which can bring both good news and unexpected twists to your business. And, of course, instead of houses and hotels, you build oil platforms and derricks to extract black gold and increase your profits. The components are a highlight, with well-crafted pieces that help immerse you in the atmosphere of a true oil baron. Get ready to negotiate, take risks, and dominate the global energy market!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–7 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 BEST
7 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Theme: Oil / Gas / Petroleum
Publisher Borras Plana S.A., Editrice Giochi, Epoch, Estrela, HEMA, Klee, Nathan, Newfeld Limited, ΕΠΑ (EPA)
Designer Arnaud de Rosnay

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

301owners
13wishlist
6want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play Petropolis?
Petropolis is designed for 2 to 7 players, making it a great option for various group sizes, from a more intimate game to a table full of tycoons!
What is the average playtime for Petropolis?
A game of Petropolis typically lasts between 90 minutes, but like many negotiation and elimination games, it can vary slightly depending on player aggression and dice luck.
Is Petropolis a complex game to learn?
No, Petropolis is considered a light to medium complexity game. If you've played games like Monopoly, the roll-and-move, property acquisition mechanics will be quite familiar. It's easy to pick up but offers depth in negotiations.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with a themed board, concession titles, telex messages, player markers, dice, derricks, oil platforms, and, of course, plenty of petrodollar bills for you to count your fortune!
Who is Petropolis most recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of economic and negotiation games who appreciate a classic theme and the thrill of building an empire. If you enjoy direct player interaction and don't mind a bit of dice luck, you'll have a blast.
Does the game have any language dependency?
No, Petropolis has minimal language dependency. Most components are iconic, and crucial information is on the concession titles and telex messages, which are easy to translate or memorize after a few plays.
Is Petropolis like Monopoly?
Yes, it shares many similarities with Monopoly, especially in the roll-and-move mechanics, acquiring properties, and collecting rent. However, Petropolis distinguishes itself with the oil theme and 'Telex Messages' that add a unique twist.

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