Thebai

Board&Dice, Intrafin Games, Maldito Games · Board game · 2025
8.2 Ludopedia 7.3 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 90–150 min Weight 3.7/5
Buy · from US$ 54.26
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy games with a historical theme and robust mechanics like worker placement and resource management, Thebai will keep you on the edge of your seat! Get ready to rebuild Thebes while war rages outside.

Highlights
  • Deep and engaging strategy
  • Well-integrated historical theme
  • High replayability with variable setup
  • Challenging solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Complexity might intimidate some
  • Extended playtime
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare for a journey to the turbulent Bronze Age Greece in Thebai! The city is in an uproar: Oedipus has abdicated, and his sons, Polynices and Eteocles, are at war, each with their own army, about to clash at the city gates. As chaos ensues and heroes fight outside, the noble families of the Cadmea, the citadel of Thebes, see a golden opportunity to rebuild the city and seize control. In Thebai, you take on the role of an influential leader of these families, navigating a period of crisis and reconstruction. The game unfolds over 10 rounds, divided into Action and Fate phases. During the Action phase, you'll use your Citizen dice to perform tasks and move your Archon around the Cadmea. In the Fate phase, the game may grant you extra scoring bonuses, depending on your achievements and how you've helped defend the city. Your goal is to accumulate the most Victory Points by rebuilding the Cadmea, strengthening Theban exports, appeasing the gods, and ensuring citizen safety. It's a race against time and your rivals to become the most prominent leader of Thebes in this epic and strategic setting. With a blend of worker placement with dice, tile placement, and contract management, Thebai promises a rich and challenging experience for those who enjoy games with a solid strategic weight and historical setting.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Ancient: Greece Country: Greece Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Misc: LongPack Games Mythology: Greek
Publisher Board&Dice, Intrafin Games, Maldito Games, Pegasus Spiele
Designer Dávid Turczi
Artist Lucas Melo, Piotr Sokołowski, Zuzanna Kołakowska

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,080owners
535wishlist
74want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the complexity of Thebai?
Thebai is considered a medium-heavy strategy game (3.74/5 on BGG), ideal for players with some experience in more elaborate board games.
How long does a game of Thebai take?
Games of Thebai typically last between 90 and 150 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, offering a good experience in both solo and group play.
Does the game involve a lot of luck?
Although dice are used, the 'Worker Placement with Dice Workers' mechanic focuses more on managing choices based on dice results than pure luck. There's significant strategy involved.
Is it a good game for someone new to more complex games?
It might be a challenge for absolute beginners, but for those who have already played some medium-weight games and want something deeper, Thebai is an excellent entry point into more strategic games.
Is the historical setting well represented?
Yes, the game delves into the mythological and historical context of Ancient Greece, specifically the turbulent period of Thebes, integrating the theme well with the mechanics.

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