Royals

Royals transports players to the turbulent political landscape of 17th‑century Europe, where great noble houses vie for continental dominance. The game supports 2‑5 players and unfolds over three periods, with scoring rounds after each. The core revolves around country cards that let you claim influential offices in four key nations. The higher the rank of the title, the more country cards you must spend, creating a tension between expanding your reach and reserving resources for premium positions.

Occupation isn’t permanent—intrigue cards let you challenge already‑held offices, sparking the kind of courtly backstabbing that defines the era. The Area Majority / Influence mechanic ensures that the player with the greatest sway in each country scores victory points at period end. Meanwhile, Open Drafting lets everyone see the pool of cards, picking strategically to complement their plans, while Set Collection rewards those who complete combinations of titles and country cards.

After the third period, a final scoring of individual titles awards extra points based on their rank. The player with the most victory points wins, but the road there is paved with negotiations, betrayals, and tactical choices. With a playtime of about 60 minutes and a light complexity (weight 2.2/5), Royals is easy for newcomers yet deep enough for fans of influence and draft games. Perfect for anyone who loves history, political intrigue, and a solid strategic experience without overwhelming rules.