The Colonists

Lookout Games, Cranio Creations, Hobby Japan · Board game · 2016
1–4 · best 2 Solo 30–360 min Weight 4.1/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love heavy Eurogames and want to feel the pressure of managing a city from scratch. The highlight is the organic growth of the village.

Highlights
  • Very satisfying city progression
  • Scenarios with varying difficulty levels
  • Excellent integrated tutorial for beginners
  • Deep and rewarding strategic challenge
Keep in mind
  • Quite a steep learning curve
  • Language dependency for smooth play
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine you've just been appointed mayor of a small village. Sounds peaceful, right? But in The Colonists, the pressure is on: your primary goal is to achieve full employment. You can't just snap your fingers; you must carefully plan your community's expansion, building houses to attract new settlers and, more importantly, creating jobs so these citizens have something to do. If you attract people without providing work, you'll face issues. If you have jobs but nowhere for people to live, the math simply doesn't add up.

The heart of the game lies in moving your mayor across a central board. This movement is how you select your actions, balancing the education of your population with the upgrading of your buildings. But be careful: resource management is tight. Hoarding too much can lead to complications that demand immediate attention, forcing you to prioritize efficiency over greed. It's a game of gears, where every construction decision impacts who you can hire and how your village evolves.

One of the coolest aspects of The Colonists is its versatility. The game doesn't leave you in the dark; it offers different scenarios and difficulty levels. If you're new to the hobby or want something lighter, there's essentially a built-in tutorial that allows for quick 30-minute sessions. However, if you're a hardcore gamer who loves optimizing every single space on the board and planning moves ten turns ahead, the advanced scenarios can extend the experience up to 180 minutes (or more, depending on the table talk). With a significant strategic weight, it challenges your management and adaptation skills, turning civilization building into an exercise in logistics and patience. Get your pen ready, organize your workers, and try to keep everyone employed!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Lookout Games, Cranio Creations, Hobby Japan, Mayfair Games
Designer Tim Puls
Artist Klemens Franz

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It's considered an 'Expert' game, but it features a tutorial and introductory scenarios that take about 30 minutes, which are great for newcomers.
How long does a game take?
It varies wildly! From 30 minutes in early levels up to 3 hours (or more) in expert scenarios.
Do I need a translation to play?
Yes, there is moderate language dependency. For the best experience, translating the cards or using reference sheets is recommended.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes solo rules, making it a great choice for those who enjoy strategic solitaire puzzles.
What is the main goal of the game?
To achieve full employment by creating jobs and housing to accommodate and educate your population.

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