Viking Raiders

Neowulf Games, Corax Games, Matagot · Board game · 2022
— Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–5 · best 4 30–60 min Weight 1.8/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Viking Raiders is that perfect filler for those wanting a dose of Norse strategy without the need for hours of setup. The blend of hand management and a central market creates a constant flow of decisions, where every card counts toward your final goal. It strikes a great balance between building your empire and that 'take that' interaction that keeps everyone laughing. If you're looking for something light, thematic, and easy to teach, this is a winner.

Highlights
  • Easy-to-learn mechanics
  • Immersive Viking theme
  • Highly portable for travel
  • Direct player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Card draw can be luck-heavy
  • Interaction might frustrate sensitive players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Viking Raiders, you step into the boots of a Viking chief, striving to assemble the most formidable fleet, build the greatest clan, and secure the most impressive loot. The game plays out as a strategic race where, each turn, you draw cards representing what your clan has been up to while you were away. These cards might yield vital resources like gold, stone, wood, or food, or even bring fresh recruits to your growing ranks.

The core of the game lies in balancing your hand management with smart decisions at the central market. You get one action per turn—perhaps launching a raid or calling upon the favor of a Norse god—and you can buy one item to bolster your empire. These items could be ships for your navy, buildings for your clan, or valuables that grant victory points. Efficiency is key here, as the first player to hit the target points in each category claims victory.

However, it's not all just about building. With its 'Take That' mechanics, you can actively disrupt your opponents' plans, and there's always the looming threat of Ragnarok hanging over the table, keeping the tension high. It's a compact game, perfect for travel, and ideal for families or groups looking for something accessible yet deep enough to keep everyone engaged. If you enjoy Norse themes and love testing your mettle against friends, Viking Raiders is a fantastic choice for a casual game night.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Misc: LongPack Games Theme: Vikings
Publisher Neowulf Games, Corax Games, Matagot, Pendragon Game Studio
Designer Morten Billcliff
Artist Mofei Wang, Noman Afzal, Tristam Rossin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,067owners
135wishlist
9want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
The game is quite dynamic, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of players.
How many people can play?
Viking Raiders is designed for 2 to 5 players.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! It's considered a 'gateway game,' making it great for beginners and families with children aged 9 and up.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes, the 'Take That' mechanic allows you to hinder opponents, making the competition for the market quite intense.
What's in the box?
It's essentially a deck of cards and some markers, making it extremely easy to travel with.
Is the theme too heavy?
On the contrary, the game has a casual and fun tone, despite the Viking theme focused on raiding.

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