Russian Railroads: American Railroads

Hans im Glück · Board game · 2016
9.1 Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2–4 · best 4 90–120 min Weight 3.4/5
Buy · from US$ 18.63
9.1 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love railway strategy, this expansion adds an American map that cranks up the tension.

Highlights
  • New thematic boards
  • High‑quality components
  • Increased replay value
  • Seamless base‑game integration
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Learning curve for newcomers
  • Play time remains long
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Russian Railroads: American Railroads arrives as a mini‑expansion that upgrades player boards and adds a host of fresh elements for fans of the original Russian Railroads. The concept shifts the railway race to the United States, offering new maps, exclusive routes, and fresh construction challenges. The core mechanic stays true to worker placement: you assign your workers to limited spots to gather resources, improve stations, and advance technologies. The expansion introduces new components such as objective cards and thematic markers that slot seamlessly into the base game’s flow without demanding overly complex rules. Playtime remains roughly 90‑120 minutes, but the new boards add an extra strategic layer, each with its own opportunities and bottlenecks. If you already master the base game, the transition feels natural; if you haven’t played yet, this expansion can be a compelling reason to try the core, as the American theme opens new narrative possibilities. Complexity stays at a medium weight (about 3.4/5), making it approachable for those familiar with worker placement while still challenging enough for veterans. Components are top‑notch, featuring well‑illustrated boards and sturdy pieces typical of Stronghold’s production values. In short, American Railroads broadens the Russian Railroads experience with a fresh setting, more strategic options, and that competitive edge that keeps each game tense.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Russian Railroads: American Railroads English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Country: USA Game: Russian Railroads
Publisher Hans im Glück
Designer Helmut Ohley, Leonhard "Lonny" Orgler
Artist Claus Stephan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,047owners
197wishlist
53want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can use the expansion?
It works for 2 to 4 players, just like the base game.
How long does a game last with the expansion?
Average playtime is between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on player experience.
Do I need to own the base game?
Yes, American Railroads is a supplement that requires the original Russian Railroads.
What is the complexity level?
It retains the medium weight of the base game, about 3.4 out of 5, accessible for those familiar with worker placement.
What new components are included?
New player boards, objective cards, thematic markers, and a few extra tokens.
Does the expansion change core rules?
No, it only adds options and variants; the fundamental rules stay the same.
Is it suitable for someone who hasn't played Russian Railroads?
It's best to have the base game first; the expansion can serve as a nice incentive to learn the core.