The Great Fire of London 1666

Medusa Games, Pandasaurus Games, Prime Games · Board game · 2010
3–6 · best 4 80–120 min Weight 2.6/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
100.0 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a strategic game with plenty of interaction and a tense historical theme, 'The Great Fire of London 1666' is for you! Get ready for tough decisions and lots of rivalry.

Highlights
  • Immersive historical theme
  • Impactful strategic decisions
  • Direct player interaction
  • High replayability
  • Constant tension
Keep in mind
  • Can have intense 'take that'
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Better with more players
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About the game
On September 2, 1666, a small oversight in Thomas Farriner's bakery ignited one of the greatest disasters in London's history: the Great Fire, which devastated thousands of homes and left much of the population homeless. In 'The Great Fire of London 1666', you are not a mere bystander to this tragedy, but an influential landowner, responsible for leading the militia to fight the flames. The Lord Mayor has failed, and now it's up to you and other men of means to decide the city's fate. You'll need to choose which districts to protect and which to sacrifice, knowing that these decisions will directly impact your wealth and prestige. Use trained militias to suppress the fire and explosives to create firebreaks, preventing its spread. Will you prioritize your own properties, watching the flames consume your rivals' assets? Or will you rise as London's hero, saving as much of the city and its historical landmarks as possible? Victory might come from having the most intact properties at the end, but saving London's most famous landmarks could earn a more altruistic landowner the people's affection and admiration. The choice is yours: save the city or watch it burn.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 OK
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Game details

Families

Cities: London (England, UK) Components: Map (City Scale) Country: England Country: United Kingdom Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Theme: Firefighting
Publisher Medusa Games, Pandasaurus Games, Prime Games, Rebel Sp. z o.o., La Tana dei Goblin
Designer Richard Denning
Artist Andreas Resch
Community
2,521 owners
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2,521 interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal player count for 'The Great Fire of London 1666'?
The game is for 3 to 6 players, but many say it shines brightest with 4 or 5, as the interaction and tension of decisions become more pronounced.
How long does a game session last?
Prepare for a session of 80 to 120 minutes. It's a game that requires planning and deliberation, so it's not the quickest.
Is it a complex game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 2.56, it's considered medium complexity. It's not a 'filler', but it's also not a super heavy eurogame. Beginners with some board game experience can adapt, but expect some rules to learn.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Yes, absolutely! The 'Take That' mechanic is very present, and you'll have to decide whether to protect your properties or attack those of your rivals. Expect bluffs and temporary alliances.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a modular board representing London, militia pieces, fire markers, action cards, and, of course, explosives to create firebreaks. Everything to immerse you in 1666 London!
Is the historical theme well integrated into the gameplay?
Definitely! The game does a great job of simulating the tension and moral choices of the era, where personal interests clashed with the need to save the city. It's a fun history lesson!
Are there any expansions for the game?
As of now, 'The Great Fire of London 1666' does not have official expansions. The base game already offers plenty of depth and replayability.