String Railway

OKAZU Brand, asmodee, ぶんぶんゲームズ (Bunbun Games) · Board game · 2009
2–5 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.4/5
6.5 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy
6.5 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you like light train games and want a visually different experience, you'll love the simplicity of String Railway.

Highlights
  • Eye‑catching components
  • Fast, easy rules
  • Short playtime
Keep in mind
  • Limited strategic depth
  • Blocking can feel harsh
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
String Railway is a train game that swaps the usual square board for colorful strings to lay down your railway. The setup begins by placing a large loop of string on the table, defining the play area. Then a smaller closed loop represents mountains and a straight line of string acts as a river, adding natural obstacles that shape where you can extend your network. Each player gets two starter stations, spaced evenly around the big circle. On your turn you draw a station tile, place it on a free spot, and then try to lay a railroad string between this new station and one of your existing ones. Points are earned only when stations are linked by a continuous route, so the core strategy is choosing station locations and drawing tracks while trying to block opponents. The game runs for five rounds; after the fifth turn the player with the most victory points – earned from connected stations – wins. With easy‑to‑learn rules, quick 30‑minute plays, and eye‑catching components, String Railway is perfect for casual gamers, newcomers, or anyone looking for a fresh twist on train games. Though it feels light, the need to plan routes and interfere with rivals adds a tactical layer that keeps the tension alive until the final turn.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Components: String Organizations: Forgenext
Publisher OKAZU Brand, asmodee, ぶんぶんゲームズ (Bunbun Games), FoxMind, Japon Brand
Designer Hisashi Hayashi
Artist Franck Dion, Jaouen Salaun, Ryo Nyamo
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
2 to 5 players.
How long does a game take?
About 30 minutes.
What is the game’s complexity level?
Low; the core rule is drawing and placing stations and linking them with strings.
What components are included?
Colored strings, tokens, station tiles, and a scoring board.
Is it beginner‑friendly?
Absolutely; the rules are straightforward and the visual components make it easy to follow.
Is there player interaction?
Yes, you can block opponents’ routes by placing your strings strategically.
What if I can’t connect a station?
The station stays isolated and won’t score points until you manage to connect it in later turns.