Ora et Labora
Ora et Labora at your next game night?
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- Designer Uwe Rosenberg
- Publisher Lookout Games , 999 Games , Filosofia Éditions , Game Harbor , Heidelberger Spieleverlag
- Illustration Klemens Franz
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
Players lead a medieval monastery, acquiring land and constructing buildings to gain resources and produce valuable goods like books and ceramics. A numbered rondel controls resource availability each round. Players place three workers to activate building actions and can pay to use others' buildings. A modular board and engine-building mechanics provide strategic depth.
Who Is This Game For?
Ora et Labora is aimed at experienced gamers who enjoy longer, in-depth sessions of around 180 minutes. It includes a solo mode and requires patience and strategic planning. Prior experience with worker placement games is helpful due to its complex resource management.
How It Works
The core mechanic is worker placement with different worker types that activate building actions. The modular board offers varied landscapes and building options. Resources are managed via a rondel that changes availability each round. Players build a tableau of buildings and can develop networks and routes for advantages.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Uwe Rosenberg, Ora et Labora features a unique resource rondel combined with worker placement and tableau building. It won the Meeples Choice Award and Jogo do Ano in 2011. Variants include France and Ireland. Comparable to Rosenberg's Le Havre, it offers new tactical challenges through modularity and player interaction.
Awards
2012
- 2012 Best Gamer Game Critic Award — Nominated
- 2011 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
- 2011 Jogo do Ano — Winner
- 2011 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Innovative resource rondel dynamically controls availability
- Combines worker placement with modular board and tableau building
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Winner of Meeples Choice Award and Jogo do Ano 2011
Contra
- Long playtime of about 180 minutes requires patience
- Complex rules not suited for casual players
- Minimum age 13 limits suitability for younger families
Setting & atmosphere
Set in the medieval era, players lead monasteries acquiring land and building infrastructure. Themes include religious and economic aspects of monastery life, such as crafting art and managing agriculture.
Tips for beginners
Focus on basic resource management and gradually build your infrastructure before pursuing complex strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Ora et Labora includes a solo mode and can be played alone.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 180 minutes; setup time should be considered.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with complex strategy and worker placement games is beneficial.
How does this compare to similar games?
The resource rondel and combination of modular board and tableau building make Ora et Labora unique among worker placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and minimum age of 13, it is better suited for experienced players and families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Worker placement with different worker types and the resource rondel are key distinctive mechanics.
Fazit
Ora et Labora is a demanding strategy game ideal for players who enjoy complex economic challenges and worker placement. The long playtime requires commitment and patience.
Ora et Labora at your next game night?
Add Ora et Labora to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Ora et Labora to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
