7.5
rating
Ludopedia
6.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy a good old 'take that' with a prehistoric twist, Valley of the Mammoths is a classic worth unearthing. It's a direct confrontation where luck and strategy blend in a fight for survival!
Highlights
- Exciting direct confrontation
- Immersive prehistoric theme
- Dynamic modular board
- High player interaction
- Constant tension
Keep in mind
- Player elimination can be boring
- Quite dependent on dice luck
- Long playtime for the style
- Rules might feel dated
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Embark on a brutal and unpredictable journey in Valley of the Mammoths, a game that throws you right into the prehistoric era where your caveman tribe battles for survival and domination. Forget peace, here nature is wild, with hungry wolves, saber-toothed tigers, and woolly rhinoceroses lurking, not to mention the giant mammoths themselves that can crush your tribe in a blink. But it's not just animals you need to fear: rival tribes (the other players) are eyeing your resources and, believe it or not, even your women! To keep your tribe alive, you'll need to hunt, gather food, and fish, perhaps even try your luck with agriculture. But be sharp, because while you strive to survive, other players will be trying to steal your bison, your fruits, and even your rivers. And as if that weren't enough, smoldering volcanoes can erupt at any moment, adding another layer of chaos to this relentless struggle. Valley of the Mammoths is a direct confrontation experience, where combat strategy and resource management blend with the unpredictability of nature and dice rolling. Originally published in French by Ludodelire, and later re-released with updates in English and French by Descartes, this 1991 classic was a winner of the 1989 Concours International de Créateurs de Jeux de Société. Get ready for an adventure where only the strongest and most cunning survive!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
REC
5
BEST
6
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Descartes Editeur, Eurogames, Ludodélire
Designer
Bruno Faidutti
Artist
Bernard Bittler, Copik Buntz, Gérard Mathieu
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,886owners
148wishlist
43want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a typical game of Valley of the Mammoths last?
Get ready for a longer session! Games of Valley of the Mammoths usually last around 3 hours, so set aside plenty of time for your tribe to fight for survival.
How many players can participate?
The game is ideal for larger groups, supporting 3 to 6 players. The more tribes in the valley, the more chaotic and fun it gets!
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 2.5169, Valley of the Mammoths is considered to have a medium complexity. It's not a game for absolute beginners, but it's also not overly daunting for those with some board game experience.
Does the game have player elimination? Isn't that annoying?
Yes, Valley of the Mammoths features player elimination. This means you can be removed from the game before it ends. For some, this adds tension, but for others, it can be frustrating. It's good to know upfront!
Are the components good? What can I expect?
Being a 1991 game, the components are more classic. Expect a modular board (which changes every game!), dice, and pieces representing your tribes and the dangers of the valley. The art and design reflect the era, but the focus is on strategic gameplay and theme.
Who is Valley of the Mammoths for?
This game is for those who enjoy direct confrontations, plenty of player interaction, and a very immersive prehistoric theme. If you don't mind player elimination and like games with a good dose of luck and strategy, this could be a great choice for you!
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