Pharaon

Catch Up Games, Arrakis Games, Bard Centrum Gier · Board game · 2019
1–5 · best 3 Solo 30–75 min Weight 2.7/5
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy planning and optimizing actions with a central rotating mechanic, Pharaon will win you over! It's a game with an ancient feel, but a modern twist that's quite appealing.

Highlights
  • Ingenious Action Wheel
  • Strategic resource management
  • High replayability
  • Robust solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Indirect player interaction
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In Pharaon, you step into the shoes of one of the Pharaoh's children, tasked with preparing your journey into the afterlife. This monumental undertaking requires securing the support of nobles and artisans, constructing a magnificent burial chamber, and making offerings to the gods. However, be warned: the gods are watching your every move, and your actions will be judged. The game revolves around an ingenious central 'Wheel of Actions,' which dictates the access cost to the five available actions on the board. Each round, the wheel rotates, changing the resource needed to perform each action. This forces players to plan ahead, anticipating which resources will be needed in upcoming rounds and keeping an eye on opponents' intentions, as the spots on the wheel are limited. On their turn, a player chooses an action, pays the access cost indicated by the wheel, and the action's cost. Part of the access cost can be deducted from the action cost, making strategic planning crucial for optimizing spending. Beyond accumulating Prestige Points (PP) to win, you must also satisfy divine demands to gain the gods' favor and secure extra points. Pharaon uniquely blends resource management and worker placement, with a playtime of 30 to 75 minutes, suitable for 1 to 5 players. Variable setup and distinct player powers ensure each game is a fresh experience in the challenging setting of Ancient Egypt.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Categories

Families

Ancient: Egypt Mythology: Egyptian Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Catch Up Games, Arrakis Games, Bard Centrum Gier, Blackrock Games, Engames, Frosted Games, Geronimo Games, MINDOK, Pegasus Spiele, Studio Supernova
Designer Henri Pym, Sylas
Artist Christine Alcouffe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Pharaon?
A game of Pharaon typically lasts between 30 and 75 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
Is Pharaon a good game to play solo?
Yes! Pharaon features a well-developed solo mode that offers a good challenge and a complete experience for a single player.
Is the game too complex for beginners?
Pharaon has moderate complexity (BGG weight 2.73/5). The Action Wheel mechanic might take a few plays to fully grasp, but it's not prohibitive for those who have played other strategy games.
How many players does Pharaon support?
The game is for 1 to 5 players, working well at all counts, with the solo mode being a particular highlight.
Is the Ancient Egyptian theme well represented?
Yes, the Ancient Egyptian theme is well integrated into the mechanics, with preparation for the afterlife and offerings to the gods being central to scoring and strategy.
Do I need to know English to play?
There is no language dependency on the main cards or components of the game, making it accessible for non-English speakers.