Paladins of the West Kingdom
- Designer S J Macdonald , Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , Renegade Game Studios , Banana Games , CMON Global Limited , Fever Games
- Illustration Mihajlo Dimitrievski
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set around West Francia circa 900 AD, players gather workers, enlist paladins, build fortifications and spread faith to score victory points. Threats like Saracens and Vikings form the backdrop as you develop influence, strength and faith over seven rounds. The publisher's description emphasizes historical context and progressive engine growth during the game.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers (age 12+) who enjoy deeper strategic play; with a listed duration of 120 minutes it’s an extended, potentially evening-length session. A solo mode exists (players.min == 1), so solo players can play it. Prior experience with worker placement and tableau mechanics is helpful.
How It Works
Each round you recruit a specific paladin and gather workers to take actions; core mechanics include Worker Placement, Open Drafting and Market. Tableau Building and End Game Bonuses reward long-term planning as faith, influence and strength convert into endgame points. The game also features different worker types and dedicated solo rules.
What Makes It Special
Designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips, the game received a Kennerspiel des Jahres recommendation in 2020 (status: recommended). It’s part of Garphill Games’ 'Medieval Trilogies' series and blends historical theme (Francia) with engine-building tableau play.
Awards
2020
2019
- 2019 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel — Nominated
- 2019 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Strong historical setting (West Francia, ca. 900 AD)
- Blend of Worker Placement and Tableau Building offers strategic depth
- Includes solo rules (players.min = 1)
- Designed by S J Macdonald & Shem Phillips; 2020 Kennerspiel recommendation
Contra
- Lengthy listed playtime (120 minutes) can be demanding
- Strategic complexity requires some learning for new players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The theme is medieval West Francia around 900 AD: city development, border defense against Saracens and Vikings, and ecclesiastical influence are central—information taken from the publisher description.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding worker types and your tableau progression; limit your options early and build a clear plan before pursuing complex combos.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. players.min is 1 and the game includes solo/solitaire rules.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is 120 minutes; teaching and setup can extend total time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with worker placement and tableau/engine-building games is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
Paladins combines Worker Placement, Open Drafting and Tableau Building within a medieval Francia theme, distinguishing it from pure euro worker-placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and higher complexity, it’s better for families with older or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of different worker types, Worker Placement and Tableau Building shapes the game's strategic identity.
Fazit
A strong choice for players who like strategic worker-placement and tableau engines; expect a thoughtful, longer game that benefits players with some prior experience.
