Cover of the game Small World: River World

Small World: River World

Days of Wonder, Hobby World, Rebel Sp. z o.o. · Board game · 2016
Ludopedia
8.3 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.3 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–5 · best 4
Play Time
40–80 min
Weight
Weight 2.2/5
Year
Year 2016
Minimum age
Minimum age 8+
Buy
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

River World cranks up the classic Small World tension by introducing aquatic threats and unpredictable events. It is the perfect pick for those looking to refresh the base game without losing its core conquest feel. The addition of river maps and pirates makes every round a much more dynamic scramble for board control.

Highlights
  • Varied maps for player counts
  • Events add fun chaos
  • Special locations boost strategy
  • Seamless integration with base
Keep in mind
  • Requires original base game
  • Can increase total playtime
  • Requires banning Flying power
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you thought the world of Small World was already too crowded, get ready for River World! This expansion adds an aquatic twist to the classic conquest game. Beyond dealing with your rivals, you must now contend with ruthless pirates haunting the new river regions. The fight for territory has intensified even further, as defending your harbors has become a vital priority while you attempt to expand your empire.

The box includes two double-sided boards, totaling four different maps, ensuring the experience scales perfectly to the number of players at the table. The big addition here is the element of unpredictability: random events trigger each turn, injecting an extra dose of chaos that can shift the course of the game in the blink of an eye. Special locations, such as the Temple of the Seer or the Shipyard, offer valuable strategic advantages to those who can capture them, but make no mistake—space remains a scarce resource, and the struggle for every piece of land (or water) is constant.

To play, you will need the core components from the original Small World, such as race banners, special power badges, victory coins, and the reinforcement die. A key tip from the designers: it is highly recommended to remove the 'Flying' special power before starting, to maintain game balance under the new geographical conditions. River World is the missing spice for those who love the aggression and tactical planning of Small World but want an extra challenge where the water is just as dangerous as dry land. If you enjoy seeing your plans tested by external factors and love a good fight for territory, this expansion is a must-have for your future game nights.

Expansion for

Published additional content

2 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Small World
Publisher Days of Wonder, Hobby World, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Philippe Keyaerts
Artist Miguel Coimbra

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,215owners
635wishlist
126want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game to play River World?
Yes, this is an expansion. You will need the race banners, power badges, coins, and dice from the original Small World.
How many players does River World support?
It supports 2 to 5 players, with specific maps designed for each player count.
How long does a game take?
On average, between 40 to 80 minutes, depending on player experience and group size.
Why should I remove the 'Flying' power?
The designers recommend this to maintain balance, as flying can easily bypass the challenges posed by the rivers and pirates.
Do the events make the game too random?
They add controlled chaos. It's an extra challenge that forces you to adapt your strategy, but it doesn't take away control from your core decisions.
Is it suitable for beginners?
If you already know Small World, you'll pick it up easily. If it's your first time, I recommend playing the base game a few times first.