Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love dense industrial management Eurogames with multiple victory paths.
Highlights
- Modern and highly immersive theme
- Multiple viable strategies
- Robust and challenging solo mode
- Elegant and thematic art
Keep in mind
- Steep initial learning curve
- Long 2-hour play sessions
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever thought about leading the planet's energy transition? In Salton Sea, you take the role of a CEO of a geothermal extraction company in California, right on the border with Mexico. The goal is straightforward but the path is challenging: extract lithium from the ground to fuel modern industry and, of course, accumulate the most victory points to dominate the market.
The game revolves around the allocation of four engineers. You'll need to balance their schedules across three fundamental pillars. First, industrial actions, where you handle the heavy lifting: securing exploration licenses, drilling, extracting materials, and keeping your machinery running (because nothing is worse than broken equipment in the middle of production). Then, there are commercial actions, where the profit happens: selling lithium, acquiring lucrative contracts, and executing them to secure a competitive edge.
Finally, we have management. This is where you play corporate chess: investing in research, buying shares to increase your power, developing business projects, or seeking financing to stay afloat. The best part is that there is no single 'recipe' for success. You can focus on exhausting the land to extract everything quickly, invest heavily in technology, or become the master of contracts.
With Amelia Sales' art and David Bernal's design, Salton Sea delivers a dense and strategic experience that can be played solo or with up to four friends. If you enjoy games where every worker placement decision can change the course of your company, this title is your spot (or rather, your salty lake). Get your engineers ready, plan your investments, and try to turn the Earth's heat into your greatest financial empire!
The game revolves around the allocation of four engineers. You'll need to balance their schedules across three fundamental pillars. First, industrial actions, where you handle the heavy lifting: securing exploration licenses, drilling, extracting materials, and keeping your machinery running (because nothing is worse than broken equipment in the middle of production). Then, there are commercial actions, where the profit happens: selling lithium, acquiring lucrative contracts, and executing them to secure a competitive edge.
Finally, we have management. This is where you play corporate chess: investing in research, buying shares to increase your power, developing business projects, or seeking financing to stay afloat. The best part is that there is no single 'recipe' for success. You can focus on exhausting the land to extract everything quickly, invest heavily in technology, or become the master of contracts.
With Amelia Sales' art and David Bernal's design, Salton Sea delivers a dense and strategic experience that can be played solo or with up to four friends. If you enjoy games where every worker placement decision can change the course of your company, this title is your spot (or rather, your salty lake). Get your engineers ready, plan your investments, and try to turn the Earth's heat into your greatest financial empire!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Salton Sea | How to Play | Learn to Play in 13 Minutes!
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How to Play and Review of Salton Sea - The Weekly Play/Back Ep 95
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Salton Sea - 4p - The Rules - by Heavy Cardboard
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How To Play Salton Sea
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Salton Sea How to Play & Strategy Tips!
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Salton Sea l An Automa Tutorial
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Salton Sea - Live Playthrough Board Game and Giveaway.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
3
REC
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Devir, CMON Global Limited, Hobby World, IELLO
Designer
David Bernal
Artist
Amelia Sales
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
5,074owners
1,021wishlist
112want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game too complex?
Yes, it's classified as an 'Expert' game. There are many gears turning simultaneously, so it requires attention to detail and planning.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game features specific solo rules, allowing you to test your strategies individually.
How long does a game last?
Expect to spend about 120 minutes. It's a deep game, so sessions tend to be longer.
What age is it recommended for?
It is recommended for ages 14 and up, due to the complexity of the investment and management mechanics.
What is the main focus of the game?
Resource management and engineer allocation to balance industrial production, commercial sales, and corporate growth.
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