# Union Stockyards

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2023
- **BGG Rating**: 7.5
- **BGG Rank**: #3352
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 45-90 min
- **Weight**: 2.48 / 5
- **Designers**: Duane Wulf
- **Artists**: Andrew Bosley
- **Publishers**: Solid Rock Games, Maldito Games
- **Categories**: Animals, Economic, Industry / Manufacturing
- **Mechanics**: Commodity Speculation, End Game Bonuses, Events, Grid Coverage, Market, Turn Order: Claim Action, Variable Set-up, Victory Points as a Resource, Worker Placement

## Verdict
If you enjoy economic games with a pulsing market and a super well-crafted historical theme, Union Stockyards is for you! Prepare for tough decisions and watch their impact.Dynamic and central marketImmersive historical themeImpactful strategic decisionsWorker strike riskInitial learning curveIntense market interactionHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to dive into Chicago's Gilded Age with Union Stockyards! This isn't just any euro game; it's a journey into the heart of the meat processing industry that shaped the USA. You'll step into the shoes of one of the industry giants, competing to build the largest meatpacking empire. The game revolves around a dynamic market, where supply and demand dictate prices, and your decisions have a direct, palpable impact. Forget luck: strategy rules here, and market changes are a direct reflection of your moves and those of your opponents.

In Union Stockyards, you'll manage your workers carefully. They are the driving force of your operation, but beware: if their pay isn't right, they might go on strike! The game simulates six years of operation (rounds), each beginning with a historical event that can shake things up. You'll use worker placement to take actions, build facilities, expand your distribution network, and enhance your brand's reputation. The goal is to maximize your profits by slaughtering cattle, hogs, and sheep, but remember that meat values fluctuate, and livestock costs are influenced by the demand you and others create. Manipulating the market can be as crucial as the actual slaughter. Whoever accumulates the most wealth by the end of these six years claims the glory! It's a game with a rich historical theme, engaging mechanics, and a market that demands constant attention.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for 2-5 players?
The playtime ranges between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.

### Is the game very complex? What is its weight?
Union Stockyards is considered a medium-weight game. It has accessible rules but considerable strategic depth, with an estimated weight of 2.47/5 on BoardGameGeek.

### Is there a lot of luck involved?
The game is designed to have low randomness. Market changes are primarily driven by player decisions, not dice rolls.

### Is the historical theme well represented?
Yes! The game is based on extensive research about Chicago's Union Stockyards during the U.S. Gilded Age, bringing a rich historical context well integrated into the gameplay.

### Is player interaction high?
Interaction is mainly indirect, through market manipulation and competition for worker placement spots. You'll feel the pressure of others' decisions.

### Who do you recommend Union Stockyards for?
Recommended for those who enjoy economic games, worker placement, dynamic markets, and a well-developed historical theme. Players who appreciate strategy and low luck will love it.