Nations
- Designer Rustan Håkansson , Nina Håkansson , Einar Rosén , Robert Rosén
- Publisher Lautapelit.fi , asmodee , Asterion Press , Rebel Sp. z o.o. , Ystari Games
- Illustration Ossi Hiekkala , Jere Kasanen , Paul Laane , Frida Lögdberg
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Nations, players guide their civilizations from prehistoric times to the start of World War I. You choose a nation and difficulty, compete for historical events, and develop your economy through cards and worker deployment. There is no map or direct combat; instead, players compete via actions, production, and scoring. The game takes about 40 minutes per player and demands long-term planning and adaptation.
Who Is This Game For?
Nations targets experienced strategy players aged 14 and up who enjoy complex, lengthy games. With around 200 minutes playtime, it requires patience and strategic thinking. A solo mode is included, allowing single-player sessions. Prior experience with Civilization-like games is helpful but not mandatory.
How It Works
The game features mechanics like Contracts, Open Drafting, and Hidden Victory Points. Each round, players take actions such as buying cards, deploying workers, or building wonders. They compete for historical events and strategically develop their nations. Income and production phases manage resources, while tableau building expands your civilization. End game bonuses reward your strategy.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Robert Rosén and team, Nations won the 2013 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year and was nominated for several other awards. It combines civilization elements with detailed engine-building and belongs to the Nations game series, known for its economic depth and historical scope.
Awards
2014
- 2014 Jogo do Ano — Winner
- 2013 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
- 2013 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Winner
- 2013 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
- 2013 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Complex economic simulation with diverse strategies
- Winner of Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year 2013
- Intense historical depth without direct combat mechanics
Contra
- Long playtime around 200 minutes
- High complexity demands prior experience
- Not suitable for casual or family players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game covers civilization development from prehistoric times to the dawn of World War I. Players experience historical progress and challenges in building their nations economically and socially.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on long-term planning and gradually learn the different action options.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Nations includes a solo mode and supports 1 to 5 players.
How long does a game really take?
The game lasts about 40 minutes per player, approximately 200 minutes for 5 players.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is complex and best suited for experienced players aged 14+, ideally familiar with Civilization-style games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Nations combines civilization mechanics with contracts and open drafting, but lacks direct combat or map movement.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is more suited for experienced gamers than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Contracts, Hidden Victory Points, and Open Drafting creates strategic depth.
Fazit
Nations is recommended for players seeking a deep and challenging civilization game. The long duration and complex mechanics require patience and strategic planning.
