Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love resource management and have a soft spot for ships, Shipyard offers a smooth economic sailing experience.
Highlights
- Fluid resource management
- Varied modular board
- Dynamic rondel
Keep in mind
- Moderate learning curve
- Small, delicate components
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In Shipyard you step into the shoes of a 19th‑century shipbuilder, a time when maritime transport was reshaping global commerce. 2‑4 players take turns picking an action from the Action Track – hiring workers, buying fittings, renting a canal, or currying favor with evaluation committees. After using an action, its card slides to the back of the line, forcing you to switch tactics on your next turn. When you finish a ship by assembling bow, stern and several middle sections (each with optional equipment or crew slots), the vessel goes on a shakedown cruise through a canal, where you score for speed, safety, gear and crew size. As the Action Cards advance, the countdown marker moves one space each time the lead card returns to the start, ending the game when it reaches the finish (or when ship cards run out). Government contracts grant end‑game bonuses for extra points. The modular board and rondel mechanic keep the order of actions fresh every play. At roughly 30 minutes per player, Shipyard blends worker allocation, set collection and tile placement into a well‑balanced economic‑nautical experience, perfect for anyone who loves planning, optimizing, and watching their ships set sail to the clang of factory bells.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Czech Games Edition (CGE), Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Rio Grande Games
Designer
Vladimír Suchý
Artist
Milan Vavroň
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,832owners
1,406wishlist
324want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
2 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Roughly 30 minutes per player, typically 60‑120 minutes overall.
What is the complexity level?
Medium (BGG weight 3.5/5).
What components are included?
Ship cards (bow, stern, middles), action cards, modular board, countdown marker, resource tokens and canal miniatures.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of economic games, nautical themes, and players who enjoy streamlining production chains.
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