18DO: Dortmund
- Designer Wolfram Janich , Michael Scharf
- Publisher Fox in the Box , Marflow Games
- Illustration Martin Málek
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players invest in breweries and railway corporations reflecting Dortmund’s 19th-century industrial development. You improve breweries, build rail tracks to coal mines and steel mills, and generate income from train routes. The interaction between industry growth and railway expansion drives demand for beer and shapes the gameplay dynamics.
Who Is This Game For?
This game suits experienced players who enjoy deep economic simulations and long playtimes (around 6 hours). Designed for 2 to 5 players, it requires patience and strategic thinking, making it ideal for experts rather than casual gamers.
How It Works
Players invest in breweries and found railway companies, expanding tracks via tile placement to connect coal and steel locations. Auction / bidding determines share ownership, while commodity speculation and stock holding mechanics allow players to profit from growing beer demand. Income depends on connected industrial locations along the railway routes.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Wolfram Janich and Michael Scharf, 18DO: Dortmund belongs to the 18xx series known for complex economic games. It uniquely blends commodity speculation with tile placement and stock holding, emphasizing Dortmund’s industrial and railway history.
Pro
- Deep economic simulation with historical industry theme
- Combination of auction, stock holding, and commodity speculation
- Part of the established 18xx series
- High strategic depth and player interaction
Contra
- Long playtime of about 6 hours
- High complexity needs experience and patience
- Not suitable for casual or family gamers
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in 19th-century Dortmund, Germany, the game highlights brewing, coal mining, steel production, and their connection via railroads within an industrializing city.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the interaction between rail expansion and beer market before diving into complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 18DO: Dortmund is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 360 minutes (6 hours), excluding setup and explanation time.
What prior experience do I need?
As an expert-level game, experience with complex economic games and patience for long sessions is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines 18xx tile placement mechanics with commodity speculation and a strong historical industry theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and duration, it is not recommended for families with younger children or casual players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of auction/bidding, commodity speculation, and stock holding in an economic railway setting is distinctive.
Fazit
18DO: Dortmund is a demanding expert-level economic game with a historical theme. Its lengthy playtime requires dedication but rewards with a rich simulation experience.
