The Golden Ages: Cults & Culture

Ediciones MasQueOca, Ergo Ludo Editions, Ghenos Games · Board game · 2015
2–5 · best 4 90–120 min Weight 3.1/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Essential for those who own the base game and want more depth and support for more players.

Highlights
  • Support for 5 players
  • Varied new civilizations
  • Culture and religion layer
  • More technology options
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Increases game complexity
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you already enjoy the vibe of The Golden Ages, get ready because the Cults & Culture expansion arrives to make the struggle for the top of history even more intense. You know that feeling of wanting to expand your empire but feeling like something is missing? That is exactly what this module delivers. The first major advantage is the inclusion of support for a fifth player, turning the table into a true diplomatic and strategic battlefield, ideal for those larger groups of friends who don't want anyone left out.

But it's not just about the number of people. The expansion deepens the experience by introducing new civilizations, allowing you to experiment with different paths to victory. The game gains new layers with the arrival of brand new Wonders and Future Technology cards, providing that necessary technological leap to dominate the modern era. The highlight, however, is the new Culture deck. Now, you don't just need force and science; you can spread your religious beliefs and influence the world through faith and culture, creating game dynamics where soft power is as lethal as territorial expansion.

Basically, Cults & Culture transforms the race for The Golden Age into something more complex and varied. You will have to balance the construction of monuments, the research of surprising inventions, and the propagation of your culture. It is the perfect expansion for those who feel the base game was becoming predictable and want more options for customizing their civilization. If you enjoy civilization games with strategic weight, where every choice of technology or religion can change the course of your history, this content is essential for your collection.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Ediciones MasQueOca, Ergo Ludo Editions, Ghenos Games, Schwerkraft-Verlag, Stronghold Games
Designer Luigi Ferrini
Artist Alexandre Roche

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion, meaning it adds content to the original game. You cannot play without The Golden Ages.
Does the game take much longer with 5 players?
Yes, with more people the interaction increases and the game time tends to rise, staying close to or above 120 minutes.
What changes in the gameplay with the Culture cards?
You gain new ways to score and influence the board through beliefs and religion, instead of focusing solely on expansion and technology.
Is it a difficult game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 3.07, it's a game for strategy lovers. For beginners, it's recommended to learn the base game first before adding the expansion.
What are the main new components?
New civilization cards, wonders, future technologies, and the culture deck, plus components for the fifth player.