The Pillars of the Earth

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Albi · Board game · 2006
2–4 · best 4 90–120 min Weight 2.8/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
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7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love classic Euros and want to feel the tension of a monumental project. The tight resource management is its biggest draw.

Highlights
  • Immersive and engaging historical theme
  • Very well-balanced resource management
  • Action competition creates real tension
  • Satisfying construction progression
Keep in mind
  • Learning curve for newcomers
  • Language dependence for some cards
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wondered about the pressure of erecting the most magnificent cathedral in medieval England? In The Pillars of the Earth, you step into the shoes of a master builder in the 13th century. Your goal is straightforward in theory but challenging in practice: contribute as much as possible to the construction and secure the glory (and victory points) for yourself.

The game is a constant balancing act. You'll need to manage your workers to extract essential raw materials, but having the materials isn't enough; you need skilled craftsmen to convert those resources into actual parts of the cathedral. This is where the strategy kicks in, as you must decide whether to spend your gold on better professionals or focus on generating more gold to secure priority in future actions.

In addition to common workers, you have three master builders at your disposal. They act as your 'wildcards,' capable of performing a variety of tasks, such as recruiting more labor, trading goods in the market, or directly claiming victory points. The worker placement dynamic is intense, and the fight for available spots can be ruthless. You'll need to plan every move carefully to avoid falling behind as the cathedral rises.

If you enjoy Eurogames with resource management, tight spatial competition, and a rich historical theme, this title is a perfect fit. Get ready to plan, negotiate, and above all, build a legacy of stone and faith.
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Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Authors: Ken Follett Country: England Digital Implementations: BrettspielWelt Occupation: Builder Series: Literature (Kosmos) Series: The Pillars of the Earth (Kosmos)
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Albi, Cappelen Damm AS, Competo / Marektoy, Devir, Filosofia Éditions, Galakta, IELLO, Kaissa Chess & Games, Mayfair Games, Stupor Mundi, Thames & Kosmos
Designer Michael Rieneck, Stefan Stadler
Artist Anke Pohl, Michael Menzel, Thilo Rick
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It has a medium-high weight (expert). If you're familiar with worker placement, you'll be fine, but total beginners might need a few games to get into the flow.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 90 and 120 minutes. Time may vary depending on how analytical the players at the table are.
Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, the game supports 2 to 4 players, maintaining the competitive tension even in smaller sessions.
Do I need to have read Ken Follett's book to play?
Not at all! The game is based on the book, but the rules and experience are completely independent. The story serves as a wonderful backdrop.
Is the game language dependent?
There is moderate dependence. Some cards and references might require translation for those who aren't fluent in English or the language of the version they bought.