Elfenland
Elfenland at your next game night?
Add Elfenland to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Alan R. Moon
- Publisher AMIGO , 999 Games , Albi , Corfix , Hobby World
- Illustration Doris Matthäus , Alan R. Moon
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What to Expect
In Elfenland, players take on the role of young elves traveling through a mythical world to visit as many elf cities as possible over four rounds. Using transport cards and movement tiles, players build routes by placing transport tokens on roads connecting the cities. The game combines hand management, network and route building, and open drafting to create dynamic and tactical gameplay where players adapt their plans based on others’ moves.
Who Is This Game For?
Elfenland is suited for families and casual gamers aged 10 and up, with a typical playtime of around 60 minutes. It is a family-level game with manageable complexity, ideal for those new to route-building games. Prior gaming experience is helpful but not required.
How It Works
Each round players draw transport tiles and manage their hand of transport cards to claim roads between elf cities by placing transport tokens. Only one transport type can occupy a road. Movement is point-to-point and players program their routes while turn order progresses progressively. This builds a network enabling players to reach their secret home city and visit many locations for points.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Alan R. Moon, Elfenland won the Spiel des Jahres in 1998. It uniquely blends hand management and network building within a fantasy travel theme featuring creatures like elves and dragons. Its open drafting mechanic allows players to influence both their own and opponents’ routes dynamically.
Awards
1998
1998
- 2014 Hungarian Board Game Award — Nominated
- 1998 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Spiel des Jahres winner 1998
- Blends hand management with network and route building
- Family-friendly fantasy theme
- About 60 minutes playtime fits game nights
Contra
- No solo mode; designed for 2-6 players
- Learning curve for transport mechanics
- Suitable for ages 10 and up; younger children may find it complex
Setting & atmosphere
Set in a magical world of elves, players travel among twenty elf cities connected by mystical transport methods such as giant pigs, unicorns, and dragons within a fantasy landscape inhabited by mythical creatures.
Tips for beginners
Be flexible in planning routes and pay attention to other players’ transport tiles to optimize your journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Elfenland supports 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, including setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
It’s a family game with moderate complexity, requiring no special prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its open drafting and tactical use of opponents’ transport tiles make it unique.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is designed for players aged 10 and up and works well as a family game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of hand management, network and route building, and open drafting defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Elfenland is recommended for families and casual players seeking a thematic, strategic game with a 60-minute playtime. It offers accessible gameplay without the complexity of expert-level games.
Elfenland at your next game night?
Add Elfenland to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Elfenland to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
