8.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you're a fan of tense auctions and strategic set collection, Ra is a timeless classic that perfectly blends Ancient Egyptian theme with engaging gameplay. It's a fantastic choice for those who enjoy outmaneuvering opponents for valuable tiles.
Highlights
- Classic auction and set-collection mechanics
- Engaging Ancient Egyptian theme
- High player interaction and tension
- Multiple paths to victory
Keep in mind
- Can be unforgiving with sun management
- Player count impacts auction dynamics
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step
Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
Get ready to dive into Ancient Egypt with Ra, a classic auction and set-collection game that condenses 1500 years of Egyptian history into less than an hour of playtime! Here, your mission is to expand the power and fame of your dynasty, and there are many ways to do it: influence pharaohs, erect grand monuments, cultivate the fertile banks of the Nile, honor the gods, and advance your people's technology and culture. All of this, of course, for the glory of the sun god Ra!
In Ra, each turn is an opportunity to bid on valuable lots of tiles using your 'suns' (your bidding tokens). The tension is palpable, because once you've used all your suns, the other players continue the round. This can create situations where a single, uncontested player snatches up important tiles before the round ends. The game is divided into three 'epochs,' and the challenge is to acquire the right lots to score well in each of them. Some tiles give immediate points, others prevent negative points for not having certain types at the end of the round, and there are those that only shine in the final scoring. It's an easy-to-learn game, but with a strategic depth that will make you think carefully about each bid. Will you risk it all for a great reward or play more cautiously? The choice is yours, pharaoh!
In Ra, each turn is an opportunity to bid on valuable lots of tiles using your 'suns' (your bidding tokens). The tension is palpable, because once you've used all your suns, the other players continue the round. This can create situations where a single, uncontested player snatches up important tiles before the round ends. The game is divided into three 'epochs,' and the challenge is to acquire the right lots to score well in each of them. Some tiles give immediate points, others prevent negative points for not having certain types at the end of the round, and there are those that only shine in the final scoring. It's an easy-to-learn game, but with a strategic depth that will make you think carefully about each bid. Will you risk it all for a great reward or play more cautiously? The choice is yours, pharaoh!
GALLERY
12 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
In English
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Ra Rules Explanation - BoardGameGeekTV
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How to Play Ra in 8 minutes
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How to Play RA | Board Game Tutorial - Learn to Play RA in 7 Minutes
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How to play Ra
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Strategic Analysis by The Forbidden Limb
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How to Win Ra - Strategy Tips
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Ra Strategy from the World Series of Board Gaming with Ring Champion Loyd Wasson
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Shelf Talk | RA | Rio Grande Games
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How to Play RA Board Game
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Ra - How to Play
2
OK
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
REC
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
alea, Ravensburger AG, 25th Century Games, 999 Games, ABACUSSPIELE, DiceTree Games
Designer
Reiner Knizia
Artist
Allison Kline, Edge Studio, Gahyun Lee, Ian O'Toole, Leonardo Borazio, Zach Graves
How many players can participate in a game of Ra?
Ra is ideal for 2 to 5 players, offering a different experience at each player count, but always with plenty of interaction in the auctions.
What is the average playtime for Ra?
A game of Ra typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes, making it perfect for a quicker gaming session with plenty of strategy.
What is the complexity level of Ra?
With a BGG weight of 2.3057/5, Ra is considered a light-medium complexity game. It's easy to learn but offers enough strategic depth for experienced players.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with a game board, bidding tokens (suns), and a variety of game tiles representing pharaohs, monuments, floods, gold, gods, among other elements of Ancient Egypt.
Is Ra a good game for board game beginners?
Yes, Ra is an excellent entry point into auction and set-collection games. Its rules are straightforward, but the game offers interesting decisions from the very first play.
What is the ultimate goal in Ra?
The goal is to accumulate the most victory points over three epochs by collecting sets of tiles that represent the prosperity and glory of your Egyptian empire.