Lost Cities
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher KOSMOS , 999 Games , Albi , Competo / Marektoy , Devir
- Illustration Vincent Dutrait , Michaela Kienle , Dennis Lohausen , Anke Pohl , Thilo Rick , Claus Stephan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Lost Cities, players organize profitable archaeological expeditions by playing cards in ascending order or discarding them. Managing your hand and calculating risks is key to scoring points. Each expedition starts with a negative value that players must overcome by careful card play. The game ends when the draw deck is empty, and scoring is based on cards played and multipliers from special handshake cards.
Who Is This Game For?
Lost Cities is designed for two players aged 10 and up and is a medium-weight game lasting about 30 minutes. It requires some tactical thinking but no deep prior experience. Players seeking quick and strategic head-to-head matches will appreciate it.
How It Works
On your turn, you play a card either to an expedition or a matching discard pile, then draw a card from the deck or discard piles. Cards in expeditions must be played in ascending order; handshake cards act as multipliers. The game combines Hand Management, Melding and Splaying, and Push Your Luck mechanics to create tension and strategy.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, Lost Cities blends hand management with set collection and push your luck elements. It won the Meeples Choice Award in 1999 and belongs to the Card Games: Draw and Discard family. Its focus on strategic risk and reward makes it a classic two-player game.
Awards
2000
- 2004 Gra Roku Game of the Year — Nominated
- 1999 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
- 1999 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Short playtime of about 30 minutes
- Deep tactics through hand management and push your luck
- Classic two-player game by Reiner Knizia
- Winner of the 1999 Meeples Choice Award
Contra
- Strictly for two players
- Limited variation due to fixed mechanics
- Recommended for ages 10 and up, not for very young children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The theme centers on archaeological expeditions to lost cities, represented by colored card suits. The setting is abstract and explorative without specific historical context.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on smartly playing and discarding cards to maximize profitable expeditions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Lost Cities is designed strictly for two players and has no official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Lost Cities lasts around 30 minutes, perfect for a quick match.
What prior experience do I need?
It’s a medium-weight game suitable for players aged 10 and above with some card game experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Lost Cities uniquely combines hand management with push your luck in a classic two-player format.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for families with children aged 10 or older who enjoy tactical card games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Hand Management, Melding and Splaying, and Push Your Luck defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Lost Cities offers a compact, strategic card game experience for two players, mixing quick rounds with thoughtful decisions. It’s recommended for those who enjoy interactive duels.
