# Rolling Stock Stars

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2020
- **BGG Rating**: 7.4
- **BGG Rank**: #6682
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 120-240 min
- **Weight**: 4.13 / 5
- **Designers**: Björn Rabenstein
- **Publishers**: All-Aboard Games, Game Harbor
- **Categories**: Card Game, Economic, Transportation
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Stock Holding, Trading

## Verdict
Fans of 18xx looking for a tighter, finance‑driven card game will love this title.Engaging auction mechanicRealistic stock managementVaried partnership strategiesLong playtimeSteep learning curveHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Rolling Stock Stars brings the 18xx universe into the card game realm, but in a leaner, finance‑centric format. Instead of a board, you collect and trade shares of companies ranging from the earliest Prussian locomotives to modern airports. Each firm has a unique power and a variable number of shares, and company value is represented by stars, simplifying the cash tally. The game starts with aggressive auctions: losing just a dollar can push your corporation into bankruptcy or a hostile takeover. After the auction, shares are converted into corporations, and you can create subsidiaries that complement each other for extra income. The trading mechanic lets you swap shares and cards, while the stock‑holding mechanic demands precise portfolio management. The result is a deep strategy game where every financial decision has long‑term consequences. Rolling Stock Stars is perfect for 18xx lovers who crave a shorter, 120–240‑minute, 2–6 player experience with a learning curve that rewards patience and detail. If you enjoy market math, leverage, and rivalry, this game will put you at the front line of the trading floor. Get ready to plan multiple turns ahead, forge secret deals, and dominate the transportation stock market in a historical setting.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for 4 players?
Typically ranges from 180 to 210 minutes, depending on player experience and negotiation speed.

### Does the game work well with 2 players?
Yes, though the auction dynamic is more intense with larger groups. In pairs, competition remains strong but can be more predictable.

### What are the main components?
A 140‑card action deck, action tokens, a reference board of companies, star tokens, and a detailed rulebook.

### Is it suitable for 18xx beginners?
Recommended for those with some 18xx experience; the learning curve can be challenging for newcomers.

### Are there any official expansions?
None so far; the game is well‑received and can be played in its base form.

### What is the complexity level?
Medium to high. Managing shares, auctions, and negotiations requires focus and strategic planning.