Tesla vs. Edison: War of Currents

Artana, Giochix.it · Board game · 2015
2–5 · best 4 90 min Weight 3.2/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Buy
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love economics with a dash of history, Tesla vs. Edison will win you over.

Highlights
  • Economy meets history
  • Bluffing and speculation mechanics
  • Engaging route building
Keep in mind
  • Easy learning curve but strategic depth
  • Limited funds require tactical choices
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Tesla vs. Edison: War of Currents is the game that blends strategy, economics, and a touch of bluffing, all set against the 1880s electrical revolution. You take control of a team of geniuses like Tesla, Edison, and other inventors fighting to leave the strongest mark in history. Each player receives action points per turn and decides where to allocate their figures: research, patents, power generation projects, or public relations campaigns. The goal is to accumulate the most market actions, but beware: money doesn’t grow on its own and selling shares can be both a survival tactic and a trap for those who buy you. The route building mechanic links American cities, while commodity speculation makes the energy market rise and fall, and hand management forces you to choose which cards to use or discard. Variable player powers give each player a unique edge, making every game different. The game is fast—about 90 minutes—and accessible to anyone 14 or older, but it still demands strategic thinking and market reading. If you enjoy economic games with a historical twist and want to test your investment and bluffing skills, this title will surprise you.

The aesthetic faithfully captures the era, with illustrations reminiscent of propaganda posters and cards that look like technical magazines. The components are sturdy: board, metal pieces, money tokens, and a well‑designed deck. The learning curve is gentle, but the game deepens as you start combining actions intelligently. In short, Tesla vs. Edison is a market simulation experience that mixes history, strategy, and a dash of competitive fun.

If you like games that ask you to plan, speculate, and bluff, and you want to dive into a historical context, you’ll do well here. The game works well for 2‑to‑5 players and can be played in quick rounds or longer sessions, depending on your time.

In short, if you want a game that combines economics, strategy, and history in a fun and challenging way, Tesla vs. Edison is a great pick.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Giochistarter Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Game: Tesla vs. Edison Historical Figures: Nikola Tesla Historical Figures: Various Occupation: Engineer Occupation: Researcher / Scientist
Publisher Artana, Giochix.it
Designer Dirk Knemeyer
Artist Heiko Günther, Jessica Riola

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How long does a typical game last?
A typical game lasts about 80 to 90 minutes, depending on player experience.
Who is the ideal player for this game?
It’s ideal for 2 to 5 players, all 14 or older, who enjoy strategy, economics, and a bit of bluffing.
What components come in the box?
The game includes a board, metal pieces, money tokens, an action card deck, investment tokens, and a well‑structured rulebook.
Does the game require long‑term planning?
Yes, while the learning curve is gentle, players who plan their actions long term tend to dominate, especially in commodity speculation and route building.
Is there any complex mechanic?
Managing your hand and balancing investment actions versus buying shares can be challenging for beginners, but the rules explain it well.
Does the game have educational themes?
Yes, it covers the history of electricity at the end of the 19th century, featuring real historical figures and technologies.
What’s the level of player interaction?
Interaction comes mainly from competing for projects, buying shares, and bluffing investments, keeping everyone on their toes.

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