Prussian Rails

Queen Games, Rio Grande Games, Winsome Games · Board game · 2008
7.3 Ludopedia 7.0 BGG 3–5 · best 5 60 min Weight 2.9/5
Buy · from US$ 38.49
7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy train games with a dash of economics and auctions, Prussian Rails is a worthwhile journey! It's a strategy game with a turn order system that can be quite engaging.

Highlights
  • Route and network building
  • Stock management and auctions
  • Immersive historical theme
  • Unique turn order system
Keep in mind
  • Can be a bit slow initially
  • Strong indirect interaction
  • Moderate learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to lay down some tracks in 19th-century Germany with Prussian Rails! This game plunges you into the heart of German railway expansion, where you'll compete with fellow tycoons to build the most profitable routes. It's the second game in Winsome's 'Historic Railroads' system, which you might know from titles like Wabash Cannonball or Chicago Express. Here, the setting is Germany between 1840 and 1870, and things heat up with a very distinct turn order system that can either give you a boost or leave you in the dust. Each railroad has its own historical flavor, with special abilities that change how you play. For instance, the Preußische Ostbahn lets you build more track, while the Bayerische offers a construction discount. The goal is clear: expand your rail network, connect important cities, and, of course, make money through company stocks. You'll need to be sharp in auctions to secure the best routes and have a keen eye for investing in the right companies. Be careful not to fall behind, as the game has a way of making the leader watch their back. It's a strategy game with a touch of auction and stock management, promising a dense and rewarding experience for history and train enthusiasts.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Series: Cube Rails Series: Historic Railroads System (Winsome Games) Series: Iron Horse Collection (Queen Games) Series: Winsome Essen Sets Series: Winsome Train Games (Rio Grande Games)
Publisher Queen Games, Rio Grande Games, Winsome Games
Designer John Bohrer
Artist Harald Lieske, Todd Sanders

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,938owners
281wishlist
96want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players does Prussian Rails support and what's the average playtime?
The game is for 3 to 5 players and typically lasts around 60 minutes, making it suitable for a quicker session.
What is the complexity level of Prussian Rails?
With a BoardGameGeek weight of 2.93, it's considered a moderately complex game. It's not super simple, but it won't leave you completely stumped.
Do I need prior knowledge of other games in the series to play Prussian Rails?
No! Although it's part of the 'Historic Railroads' system, Prussian Rails can be played and enjoyed independently. The rules are self-contained.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to accumulate the most money and points by investing in railroad construction, connecting cities, and managing railway company stocks.
Does the game have a lot of direct player interaction?
The interaction is mostly indirect, focusing on competition for routes, auctions, and how players' actions affect the market and turn order.
Who would you recommend Prussian Rails to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy train games, economic strategy, auction mechanics, and route building, especially if you like historical themes.

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