The Capitals

Mercury Games · Board game · 2013
2–5 · best 3 120 min Weight 3.5/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love dense Eurogames and the satisfaction of seeing their city grow from scratch.

Highlights
  • Immense variety of buildings
  • Engaging historical progression
  • Tightly integrated mechanics
  • Extremely high replayability
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Very long playtimes
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
You know those iconic global metropolises? They didn't just appear overnight. In The Capitals, you take on the role of a visionary tasked with building the capital of a new nation, turning a blank slate into a world-class center of prestige. But don't think it's just about placing buildings randomly; long-term planning is everything here. You will journey through three distinct eras — starting from the Victorian age and advancing to the Modern Day — and each period brings its own set of challenges and social demands.

The game is a feast for those who love heavy strategy. You'll need to manage your resources with precision and make tough decisions that will impact your city's future. With over a hundred different building types, the variety is immense, ensuring that no two cities will ever be identical. The ultimate goal? Make your city so imposing and prestigious that it earns the right to host the next World Expo.

The game's heart beats through clever mechanics: you'll use action points to optimize your turns, participate in auctions to determine turn order, and make tactical choices in an open draft. It's the kind of experience where every tile placed on the board tells a part of your civilization's story. If you enjoy heavy Eurogames with economic depth and love watching your city grow organically while trying to outsmart your opponents, The Capitals is for you. Get ready to burn some brain cells planning the perfect infrastructure while dealing with the pressure of creating the most influential capital in the world.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 OK
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Game details

Categories

Publisher Mercury Games
Designer Thiago Boaventura
Artist Michael Christopher
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game very complex?
Yes, it has a significant strategic weight (3.5 on BGG), so it's recommended for those already experienced with modern board games.
How long does a game last?
Be prepared to invest some time. Games usually last around 2 hours, depending on the number of players.
How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 5 players, making it a great choice for groups that enjoy strategic competition.
Is the game language dependent?
No, there is no language dependency, so you can play any version without issues.
What makes the cities different from one another?
The massive amount of buildings (over 100) and the drafting choices ensure that every city has a unique identity.