Transatlantic

PD-Verlag, Rio Grande Games · Board game · 2017
2–4 · best 3 60–120 min Weight 3.1/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 31.31
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love naval strategy and deck‑building, Transatlantic will keep you at the helm.

Highlights
  • Deep economic management
  • Customizable deck
  • Modular board
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Play time can stretch
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Transatlantic transports you to the late 19th century, right after the Suez Canal opened and massive steamships began to rule the seas. For 2 to 4 players, each takes the helm of a shipping company, vying to move cargo, mail and passengers across the globe. Each round you play a card that lets you buy historic vessels, invest in coal depots, build ticket agencies or upgrade shipyards. As new cards appear, you build your own deck, adding stronger actions and crafting synergistic strategies. The modular board depicts oceanic routes that shift each game, forcing tactical choices about ship placement and when to chase the coveted "Blue Riband" across the North Atlantic. Luck plays a minor role; success hinges on resource management, coal‑company control, and timing of ship sales and purchases. While the economic depth is substantial, the rules are straightforward and the pace stays lively, yielding games of 60‑120 minutes. If you love deck‑building, resource juggling, and historic naval themes, Transatlantic delivers a rich, strategic and immersive experience.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Transatlantic English · PDF
Download PDF

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Digital Implementations: Yucata
Publisher PD-Verlag, Rio Grande Games
Designer Mac Gerdts
Artist Dominik Mayer

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.
How long does a game last?
Typically 60–120 minutes, depending on player experience.
What is the complexity level?
Medium‑high; it demands economic planning and route management.
What components are included?
Action cards, ship miniatures, modular board, coal tokens, money tokens and route markers.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of deck‑building, historical naval themes and transport‑focused strategy games.

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