Agricola
- Designer Uwe Rosenberg
- Publisher Lookout Games , 999 Games , Brain Games , Compaya.hu: Gamer Café Kft. , Devir
- Illustration Klemens Franz
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play a farmer with a growing family in a wooden hut, taking actions such as plowing fields, gathering materials, building fences and expanding your house. Each round a new action option is revealed, increasing the choices available. Cards (Occupations and Minor Improvements) add layers of complexity and open different strategies. Victory is decided by the prosperity and development of your farm.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for experienced gamers who enjoy long, strategic Eurogames. With a playtime around 150 minutes it is an extended, often evening-length title. A solo mode is supported, making it accessible for lone players who like deep decision-making.
How It Works
Agricola is turn-based and centers on claiming action spaces where only one player can act per spot (Turn Order: Claim Action). Mechanics include Automatic Resource Growth, Enclosure and Closed Drafting for cards. You balance board actions with card-driven options (Occupations and Minor Improvements) to develop your farm, prioritizing timing and resource planning.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Uwe Rosenberg and honored with awards such as the Meeples Choice Award 2007 (winner) and Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 2008 (winner). Agricola merges worker-placement-like action contention with a large card pool and farming theme, creating many strategic paths.
Awards
2009
2008
2008
- 2009 Niederländischer Spielepreis — Winner
- 2008 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game — Winner
- 2008 Jogo do Ano — Winner
- 2008 Juego del Año — Winner
- 2007 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Rich strategic depth through action choices and large card pool (Occupations/Minor Improvements)
- Strong thematic focus on farming and animal management
- Includes a solo/solitaire mode
- Recognized by awards: Meeples Choice Award 2007 and Deutscher Spiele Preis 2008
Contra
- Long playtime (around 150 minutes) demands time commitment
- Steep learning curve due to many cards and interactions
- Higher complexity makes it less suitable for casual or very young families (min age 12)
Setting & Atmosphäre
The theme is rural farming life: crop cultivation, animal husbandry and expanding a family farm. This is reflected in the game's actions and scoring as described in the sources.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with the simpler family variant (no extensive card mixes) and focus on mastering core actions before adding more card complexity.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo/solitaire play.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 150 minutes; teaching and setup typically add extra time.
What prior experience do I need?
Agricola suits players familiar with Euro-style resource management and worker-placement mechanics; newcomers will face a learning curve.
How does this compare to similar games?
Agricola combines worker-placement-style action contention with a significant card element (Occupations/Minor Improvements), increasing strategic variety compared to simpler Eurogames.
Is this suitable for families?
Partly: with min age 12 and higher complexity, it is better for experienced family groups than for very young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Turn Order: Claim Action with Automatic Resource Growth and card-driven options defines its decision density.
Fazit
Agricola is a deep Eurogame for players who enjoy long, planning-heavy sessions and card-driven strategy. Recommended if you have about 120+ minutes and appetite for a complex game.
