12 Monks

What to Expect

In 12 Monks, you play as a Cistercian monk managing a vast territory in 12th century Alcobaça. You build a monumental monastery, gather resources like wood, stone, and iron, and ensure self-sufficiency. The game involves competitive worker placement with dice, tile placement, and contract management to control territory and develop your holdings in a historic setting.

Who Is This Game For?

This game targets experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex economic simulations and strategic depth. With a playtime around 150 minutes, it suits extended gaming sessions and requires familiarity with medium to heavy strategy games. It supports 2 to 4 players but has no solo mode.

How It Works

Players use dice as workers to claim action spaces, gather resources, and fulfill contracts. Tile placement shapes the monastery grounds while area majority determines control of key territories. Combining these mechanics creates a layered strategic experience focused on resource management and territorial influence.

What Makes It Special

Designed by Pedro Santos Silva, 12 Monks blends worker placement with dice workers, contracts, and area majority in a unique medieval Portuguese setting. Although it has no awards yet, its economic depth and thematic focus distinguish it within territory-building games. Published by Spielworxx, it is part of upcoming releases.

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in 12th century Portugal, specifically in Alcobaça, players act as Cistercian monks managing the monastery and surrounding lands. The theme ties medieval history to economic development and religious stewardship.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on mastering the core worker placement and resource management mechanics before exploring advanced strategies.

Häufige Fragen

Fazit

12 Monks is recommended for players seeking a complex economic game with historical flavor and long play sessions. It is less suitable for casual gamers or families with younger children.