Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar – Tribes & Prophecies

Czech Games Edition (CGE), Cranio Creations, GaGa Games · Board game · 2013
2–5 · best 4 90 min Weight 3.6/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 21.80
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love long‑term planning and a Maya theme, you’ll love the new tribe and prophecy layer.

Highlights
  • Unique tribe variety
  • Exclusive player powers
  • Three score‑changing prophecies
  • Supports up to 5 players
Keep in mind
  • Slightly steeper learning curve
  • Playtime around 90 minutes
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar – Tribes & Prophecies takes the original game to a new level by putting each player in charge of a unique tribe. There are thirteen tribes, each granting a special ability that only its leader can use, ensuring plenty of variety and different strategies each playthrough. The expansion also introduces three prophecies revealed at the start of the game and fulfilled at the right moment. Meeting these predictions awards extra points, but ignoring them can cost you points, making strategic preparation essential. The rotating gear board remains the core mechanic, letting workers advance in cycles that mimic the movement of the Maya stone disks. The blend of Worker Placement, Set Collection, and Variable Player Powers creates a rich, interwoven decision flow. New buildings and components have been added, expanding the game to accommodate up to five players and offering more construction and production options. Playtime hovers around 90 minutes, with a moderate weight (3.6/5), perfect for those who enjoy deep management without overwhelming complexity. If you already love the base game, you’ll relish the extra thematic layer, the thrill of anticipating future prophecies, and the chance to experiment with different tribes. For larger groups, the expansion solves the player‑count bottleneck, allowing up to five participants without sacrificing flow. In short, Tribes & Prophecies broadens Tzolk'in’s world with more thematic content, deeper strategic choices, and extra fun for long‑term planners.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Guatemala Country: Mexico Game: Tzolk'in – The Mayan Calendar Players: Expansions Changing Player Count Theme: Mayans Theme: Native Americans / First Peoples Theme: Tropical
Publisher Czech Games Edition (CGE), Cranio Creations, GaGa Games, IELLO, Lex Games, Rebel Sp. z o.o., Rio Grande Games
Designer Daniele Tascini, Simone Luciani
Artist Milan Vavroň

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

14,767owners
922wishlist
250want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
The expansion supports 2 to 5 players.
What is the typical playtime?
Around 90 minutes, depending on player experience.
Do I need the base game?
Yes, Tribes & Prophecies is an add‑on for Tzolk'in – The Mayan Calendar.
What are the main new features?
Thirteen tribes with unique powers, three prophecies that affect scoring, and new buildings that allow a fifth player.
Does the expansion make the game more complex?
Slightly, as it adds extra rules and decisions, but the overall complexity remains moderate.