Cartographers
- Designer Jordy Adan
- Publisher Thunderworks Games , Arclight Games , Buró , Gameland 游戏大陆 , Gen-X Games
- Illustration Luis Francisco , Lucas Ribeiro
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
You spend four seasons drawing terrain on a grid to fulfill the queen's edicts while rival Dragul outposts restrict your area. The game focuses on Paper-and-Pencil play, Pattern Building and Grid Coverage, with scoring driven by End Game Bonuses. It sits in the Roll Player universe and emphasizes map-optimization rather than direct conflict.
Who Is This Game For?
Cartographers is a gateway-to-expert game for players aged 10 and up (min_age 10). With a solo mode and player capacity up to 100, it is flexible for various group sizes. At about 45 minutes, it fits a typical game night and requires moderate rule familiarity.
How It Works
Each season cards/edicts are revealed that dictate which shapes or terrains you should draw on your map sheet. Core mechanics include Paper-and-Pencil, Grid Coverage, Pattern Building, Enclosure and Bingo-style scoring; you aim to cover the right areas and satisfy scoring conditions for points. Interaction is indirect via shared cards and opposing outposts that limit placement.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jordy Adan, Cartographers was nominated for the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2020 (status: nominee). Its combination of Flip-&-Write card resolution with pattern and grid optimization distinguishes it from pure dice or deck-building games.
Awards
2020
2019
- 2019 Board Game Quest Awards Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2019 Cardboard Republic Socializer Laurel — Nominated
- 2019 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Clear concept: Paper-and-Pencil meets Grid Coverage and Pattern Building
- Flexible player count including solo play (players.min = 1)
- Relatively short playtime (~45 minutes) for a Kennerspiel
- Designer: Jordy Adan
Contra
- Scoring patterns require some learning
- Indirect interaction may disappoint players seeking direct conflict
Setting & Atmosphäre
You map lands for Queen Gimnax to claim territory for the Kingdom of Nalos while contesting Dragul outposts. The fantasy setting and royal edicts drive objectives (publisher/Wikipedia description).
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on a few scoring objectives each season and place shapes to maximize coverage rather than trying to chase every bonus.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. indicates a solo mode is available.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is about 45 minutes; include time for explanation and scoring when planning.
What prior experience do I need?
Moderate experience is useful: Cartographers is a gateway/kenner-level game for ages 10+, not a pure beginner title.
How does this compare to similar games?
Unlike deck-builders or worker-placement titles, Cartographers is a Flip-&-Write/Roll-and-Write focused on grid and pattern optimization.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes for families with older or experienced children (min_age 10); less suited for very young players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Paper-and-Pencil grid coverage combined with End Game Bonuses and Pattern Building defines its gameplay.
Fazit
A strong choice for players who enjoy spatial puzzles and map optimization within a 45-minute playtime. Recommended if you like Paper-and-Pencil and scoring patterns; less so if you prefer heavy direct interaction.
