The New Era

Portal Games, IELLO · Board game · 2011
2–5 · best 3 60 min Weight 3.5/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love post‑apocalyptic wars with deep card strategy, The New Era will hook you.

Highlights
  • Open draft combined with hand management
  • Easy to learn yet deep
  • Unique fifth faction
  • Intense direct interactions
Keep in mind
  • Moderate playtime, about 60 minutes
  • Requires focus on progressive turn order
  • Not for those seeking simple mechanics
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In The New Era, four factions already ruled the Neuroshima landscape, but now even more borders are expanding and war is about to erupt. The expansion adds over 80 new cards and introduces the Hegemony, a gang of criminals who aren’t afraid to topple anyone who stands in their way. The key innovation is the new direct-interaction mechanic: players can invade opponents’ bases and make deals more aggressively, creating a flow that never feels predictable. The progressive turn order ensures no one always starts the round, while hand management and open drafting keep planning a true strategic exercise. The game can be played as a stand‑alone, but it shines even more when paired with 51st State, as cards complement each other and broaden the options. Production quality is top‑tier: wooden components, a polished victory‑point board, and well‑designed icons.

Gameplay lasts about 60 minutes with 2‑5 players. The learning curve is moderate, as several mechanics are involved, but fun quickly kicks in once players get used to handling turn order and controlling cards efficiently. The game offers a solid blend of tactics and strategy, ideal for those who have played 51st State or any other Neuroshima title.

In short, The New Era raises the series to a new level of aggression and complexity while keeping the same dark, strategic vibe fans love. If you’re looking for a card game that challenges your planning skills and brings new factions into the conflict, you’ll want to give it a try.

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 REC
5 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Game: 51st State Mechanism: Tableau Building Setting: Neuroshima Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Portal Games, IELLO
Designer Ignacy Trzewiczek
Artist Mariusz Gandzel, Mateusz Bielski, Michał Oracz

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How long does a game last?
About 60 minutes.
How many players?
2-5 players.
What is the complexity level?
Medium to high, involves hand management and turn planning.
What components are included?
Wooden cards, a victory point board, worker tokens, dice, and markers.
Do I need 51st State to play?
No, it can be played alone, though it pairs well with 51st State.
Is there an expansion?
Yes, The New Era is an expansion but can also be played as a standalone.
Who is the game for?
Fans of post‑apocalyptic card games and the Neuroshima series.