Luthier
Luthier at your next game night?
Add Luthier to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Luthier to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
- Designer Dave Beck , Abe Burson
- Publisher Paverson Games , Choo Choo Games , Devir , Funtails , Giochi Uniti
- Illustration Vincent Dutrait , Guillaume Tavernier
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Luthier immerses you in the golden age of classical music in Western Europe, where you manage a workshop crafting and repairing musical instruments. Combining hidden bidding and worker placement, you allocate resources, train apprentices, and expand your workshop. Compete for influence with historical patrons while pursuing varied strategies like performances, instrument crafting, and reputation building. The game offers deep thematic integration and challenges both strategic gamers and classical music enthusiasts.
Who Is This Game For?
Luthier targets experienced gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy complex games with longer playtimes. With about 150 minutes per session, it demands patience and strategic planning. Prior experience with worker placement and auction mechanics is beneficial. It's less suited for families or casual players, focusing on strategy and theme depth.
How It Works
Players place workers to perform actions in their workshop, crafting or repairing instruments. Hidden bidding is used to gain influence with patrons, unlocking bonuses and expanding options. Dice rolling affects action outcomes, and end-game bonuses reward different strategic paths. Managing resources, upgrading skills, and balancing multiple goals are key to victory.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Dave Beck and Abe Burson, Luthier uniquely blends worker placement with hidden bidding in a classic music setting. Its authentic theme and strategic depth stand out, despite lacking awards. The game appeals to those appreciating a strong thematic experience combined with innovative mechanics.
Pro
- Unique mix of worker placement and hidden bidding
- Authentic classical music theme
- Multiple strategic paths to victory
- Includes solo mode
Contra
- Long playtime around 150 minutes requires patience
- High complexity not suited for casual players
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
Setting & atmosphere
Set in the classical music era of Western Europe, players take on the role of instrument makers crafting high-quality musical instruments in a historically rich environment.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on resource management and gradually learn the mechanics before exploring complex strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Luthier includes a solo mode for single-player play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 150 minutes; allow time for setup and play.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with worker placement and auction mechanics is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Luthier uniquely combines hidden bidding with worker placement in a musical theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, and Worker Placement stands out.
Fazit
Recommended for experienced players seeking a complex, thematic game with strategic depth and longer sessions. Not ideal for families or casual gamers due to complexity and length.
Luthier at your next game night?
Add Luthier to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Luthier to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
