Ur

Rio Grande Games, What's Your Game? · Board game · 2006

3–4 · best 4 45 min Weight 3.1/5

6.4 rating Ludopedia

6.5 rating BGG

Buy

6.4 rating Ludopedia

6.5 rating BGG

Buy Ask about Rules

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Ur is an abstract strategy game with a civilization theme that will hook you from start to finish! If you enjoy games with simple rules but lots of depth and replayability, you'll definitely want to play it multiple times.

Highlights

Deep yet accessible strategy
Modular and dynamic board
Engaging art and theme
Fast and fluid gameplay

Keep in mind

Can feel a bit abstract
Indirect player interaction

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 back in time to ancient Mesopotamia, where you'll lead your people in building a glorious civilization! In Ur, each player takes on the role of a king seeking maximum prestige, carefully balancing the development of agriculture, trade, politics, culture, and war. The goal is to be the first to complete the construction of five majestic ziggurats, monuments that represent the peak of your kingdom. But beware, unchecked ambition or an aggressive pursuit of territory can lead to your downfall.

The rules are surprisingly simple, and the game flows quickly, but don't be fooled: the strategic depth is immense. Each turn involves selecting and placing tiles on a modular board that changes with every game, ensuring high replayability. The action point mechanic and engaging artwork complement the experience, making Ur one of those games you'll want to play over and over. It's an abstract and civilization-building challenge that tests your planning and adaptation skills, ideal for those who enjoy thinking ahead and dominating the board.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

In English

Full Tutorial & Review - Episode 55: Mesopotamia for Minimalists BGG Watch on YouTube

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players

3 REC

4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Rio Grande Games, What's Your Game?

Designer Paolo Mori

Artist Mariano Iannelli

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

What is the average playtime for a game of Ur?

A game of Ur typically lasts around 45 minutes, making it quite quick for a game with this strategic depth.

How many players is Ur for?

Ur is designed for 3 to 4 players. It plays well at all player counts within this range.

Is the game very complicated to learn?

No, Ur's rules are considered simple and straightforward, allowing players to learn quickly and focus on strategy.

Is the civilization theme well represented?

The theme of Mesopotamia and civilization building serves more as a backdrop for the abstract mechanics. The representation is more conceptual than simulative.

Do I need to know how to play complex civilization games to enjoy Ur?

Not at all! Ur is a great entry point for those who want to experience civilization-themed games but with a more abstract approach focused on pure strategy.

Is the game's artwork a selling point?

Yes, Ur's artwork is often praised for being very attractive and contributing to the thematic immersion, even though it's an abstract game.

Does the board change each game?

Yes, Ur uses a modular board, meaning the layout of the tiles changes with each game, ensuring that every match presents a new challenge.