The Quiet Year

Buried Without Ceremony, The Hills Press, Narrattiva · Board game · 2013
2–4 · best 4 180 min Weight 1.4/5
rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

The Quiet Year is great for those who love collaborative storytelling and making decisions that reshape the world.

Highlights
  • Collaborative building
  • Real‑time narrative
  • Dynamic map
  • Post‑apocalyptic setting
Keep in mind
  • No win condition
  • Long playtime
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
The Quiet Year is a map game that places you in charge of a small post‑apocalyptic community during a year of relative peace. Each week is represented by a card that brings events, challenges, and opportunities, from resource scarcity to new characters arriving. The active player draws the card, reads the instructions, and decides how to react: they can discuss decisions, take individual actions, or discover something new. After resolving the card, a small upkeep advances ongoing projects, bringing them closer to completion. The drawing mechanic lets you create maps of your community as the game progresses, while Open Drafting gives everyone a chance to choose cards that shape the setting. The narrative is built in real time, with each decision influencing the story’s direction, and the game ends when the Frost Shepherds arrive in winter, marking the end of the quiet year. The post‑apocalyptic theme creates a survival and rebuilding atmosphere, but the lack of a clear win condition turns the game into a sandbox where the process and story matter more than winning. Ideal for those who enjoy collaborative storytelling, exploring complex scenarios, and experiencing the thrill of building something amid adversity.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Categories

Families

Category: Sandbox Without Win Condition Containers: Drawstring Bag Mechanism: Drawing Misc: Make-As-You-Play Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Buried Without Ceremony, The Hills Press, Narrattiva, System Matters Verlag
Designer Avery Alder
Artist Ariel Norris, Yi Yang
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players, with 3 or 4 being ideal for full discussion dynamics.
How long does a game take?
About 180 minutes, as the game covers an entire year in 52 weeks.
What are the main components?
A 52‑card deck, resource tokens, blank maps, and pieces to represent the community.
Is the game complex?
Not really; the rules are simple, but depth comes from narrative choices and map building.
Who is this game recommended for?
For those who enjoy narrative games, world building, and post‑apocalyptic settings without a win focus.
Can it be played in other languages?
Yes, there are English and Portuguese versions; the game doesn’t rely on a specific language.