Golem

1-4

Players

120

Minutes

14+

Age

2021

Published

Designer Flaminia Brasini , Virginio Gigli , Simone Luciani
Publisher Cranio Creations , CrowD Games , Delta Vision Publishing , Galápagos Jogos , Game Harbor
Illustration Francesco Ciampi , Roberto Grasso (I)

Track your results with Playnexi

Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.

Start for free

What to Expect

Players take on the role of rabbis in 16th-century Prague, creating and controlling powerful golems across city neighborhoods. The game blends action drafting, set collection, and variable player powers to craft artifacts, gather knowledge, and manage golems. A unique 3D synagogue mechanism determines available actions via colored marbles, requiring strategic choices and timing over four rounds with seven phases each.

Who Is This Game For?

Golem targets experienced gamers aged 14 and up, supporting 1 to 4 players including solo play. With about 120 minutes playtime, it suits those who enjoy complex engine builders with worker placement and strategic depth.

How It Works

Players draft actions from five main options represented by marbles in a 3D synagogue. They collect resources like clay and knowledge to build and upgrade golems and artifacts. Worker placement determines golem positioning in Prague’s neighborhoods. Variable player powers and set collection add strategic variety and personal playstyles.

Action Drafting Income Set Collection Variable Player Powers Variable Set-up Worker Placement

What Makes It Special

Designed by Simone Luciani, Virginio Gigli, and Flaminia Brasini, Golem was nominated for the 2021 Meeples Choice Award and multiple 2022 International Gamers Awards. Its thematic integration of the Prague golem legend with innovative 3D action drafting sets it apart from typical engine builders.

Awards

Nominated
2022

2023 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game — Nominated
2022 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
2022 JUG Adult Game of the Year — Finalist
2021 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated

Pro

Combines engine building with worker placement
Variable player powers enable diverse strategies
Strong theme based on Prague’s golem legend
Includes solo mode for single players

Contra

Long playtime around 120 minutes
Complexity suits experienced gamers
Recommended age 14+, limiting younger family play

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in Renaissance Prague, Golem draws on the Jewish legend of the golem, where players act as rabbis animating clay protectors to safeguard the city.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on understanding main mechanics first and plan your resource use carefully to optimize actions.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes, Golem includes a solo mode for single-player play.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, structured in seven phases per round.

What prior experience do I need?

Golem is aimed at experienced gamers familiar with worker placement and engine building.

How does this compare to similar games?

Its 3D synagogue action drafting and thematic focus on golems make it unique among engine builders.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it is less suited for families with young children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The action drafting via colored marbles in a 3D synagogue is a standout mechanic.

Fazit

Golem is recommended for players seeking a complex engine-building game with historical theme and worker placement. Its length and depth require patience and experience.