Furnace
- Designer Ivan Lashin
- Publisher Hobby World , Arcane Wonders , Board Game Rookie , La Boîte de Jeu , CMON Global Limited
- Illustration Sergey Dulin , Marta Ivanova , Ilya Konovalov , Vadim Poluboyarov , Oleg Yurkov , Egor Zharkov
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Furnace, players act as capitalists who bid on companies, extract resources, and process them over four rounds. The game features auction phases where players place discs strategically on company cards to claim them or receive compensation. In production phases, players use their cards to produce, process resources, and upgrade companies. The gameplay blends auction mechanics with engine-building in a competitive economic setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Furnace is aimed at gamers familiar with medium-complexity Eurogames who enjoy economic and auction mechanics. Suitable for players aged 12 and up, its 60-minute duration fits well into a game night. Some experience with engine-building or auction games is beneficial but not mandatory.
How It Works
The game consists of four rounds, each with auction and production phases. During auctions, players place discs with limited values on company cards without overlapping same color or value discs. The highest disc claims the card; lower discs gain resource or processing compensation. Production phases allow players to use cards to produce resources, process them, and upgrade cards. Core mechanics include Action Queue, Auction / Bidding, and Auction Compensation.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Ivan Lashin, Furnace stands out with its intricate auction system combined with engine-building. It won the Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development in 2021 and was nominated for several international awards. The game is part of the Furnace series and offers a unique blend of auction types including multiple lots and constrained bidding.
Awards
2021
- 2022 American Tabletop Strategy Games — Recommended
- 2022 GEEKS d'OURO Best Translated Board Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2021 5 Seasons Best International Strategy — Nominated
- 2021 Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development — Winner
Pro
- Combination of auction and engine-building mechanics
- Strategic depth through limited disc values
- Compact 60-minute playtime suitable for game nights
- Award-winning title with Geek Media Award 2021
Contra
- Supports only 2 to 4 players
- No solo mode available
- Requires some learning effort for players aged 12+
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the 19th century, Furnace places players in the role of industrial capitalists building their corporations and optimizing resource extraction and processing during the post-Napoleonic era.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the auction and compensation mechanics before exploring complex engine combos.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Furnace is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 60 minutes, making it suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Players should be comfortable with medium complexity; basic knowledge of engine-building and auctions helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
Furnace uniquely combines multiple auction mechanisms with engine-building and an action queue system.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 12+, it suits families with older children or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The game’s core mechanics include Auction / Bidding, Auction Compensation, and Action Queue.
Fazit
Furnace is recommended for players seeking a strategic economic and auction game with engine-building elements. Beginners may find the mix of mechanics challenging initially.
