Deadwood
- Designer Loïc Lamy
- Publisher Dust Games , Edge Entertainment , Fantasy Flight Games , Galakta , Giochi Uniti
- Illustration Miguel Coimbra , Nicolas Fructus , Édouard Guiton , Goulven Quentel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Deadwood, you lead a gang of outlaws fighting for control of a rough frontier town. You deploy different classes of cowboys to annex buildings and engage in shootouts with rival gangs. Each building grants unique abilities, and the modular board evolves as the town grows. The game ends when the train station is built, no more Wanted Poster tokens remain, or a player loses all their cowboys.
Who Is This Game For?
Deadwood is a medium-weight game for 2 to 5 players aged 13 and up, with a typical duration of 60 minutes. It suits players who enjoy strategic worker placement combined with dice rolling and tactical combat. Prior experience with similar mechanics is beneficial but not mandatory.
How It Works
The core gameplay mixes worker placement with dice rolling and tile placement on a modular board. Players place cowboys to annex buildings and trigger their special abilities. Shootouts are resolved through dice, with aggressive players gaining Wanted Poster tokens that can penalize them later. New buildings are added dynamically when the Town Hall is annexed.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Loïc Lamy, Deadwood stands out by blending worker placement, dice rolling, and tile placement within a Western theme. Part of the Fantasy Flight Silver Line series, it features thematic shootouts and evolving city control without relying on awards for recognition.
Pro
- Combines worker placement, dice rolling, and tile placement
- Modular board offers variety
- Thematic shootouts with Wanted Poster mechanics
- Suitable for 2-5 players with about 60 minutes playtime
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Not suitable for players under 13
- No notable awards
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, during the railroad expansion era around 1876. It captures the gritty atmosphere of frontier life and the struggle for control amid chaos.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on using building advantages before engaging heavily in shootouts.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Deadwood supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Deadwood lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
Deadwood is a medium-weight game benefiting from experience with worker placement and dice mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Deadwood uniquely combines worker placement, dice rolling, and a modular board in a Western setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With an age recommendation of 13+, Deadwood is more appropriate for families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its blend of worker placement, dice rolling, and tile placement sets Deadwood apart.
Fazit
Deadwood is recommended for players seeking a tactical worker placement game with Western flair and moderate playtime. It lacks a solo mode and is best enjoyed with 2 to 5 players.
