Pax Renaissance
- Designer Phil Eklund , Matt Eklund
- Publisher Sierra Madre Games , Ediciones MasQueOca , Fox in the Box , Ion Game Design
- Illustration Phil Eklund
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Pax Renaissance, you play as a Renaissance banker financing kings, sponsoring voyages, and joining secret cabals. You shape Europe's future by acquiring, playing, or selling cards from a market. Trade routes from Portugal to Crimea influence empires' wealth. With only two actions per turn, you steer Europe toward enlightenment or dark feudalism.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced players aged 12 and up, Pax Renaissance requires patience for its extended playtime of about 120 minutes. It is not a family game and does not include a solo mode, supporting 2 to 4 players familiar with mechanics like Action Points and Dutch Auction.
How It Works
Each round grants two actions to acquire cards from an open market via Dutch Auction, play them to your tableau, or sell them out of the game. You can also stimulate trade with Oriental goods. The game combines market mechanics with tableau building and simulates Renaissance-era economic development through historical trade routes.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Phil Eklund, Pax Renaissance is part of the 'Pax' series and was nominated for the 2016 Golden Elephant Award and 2017 Goblin Magnifico. Its blend of Action Points, Dutch Auction, and Open Drafting offers a unique historical strategy experience.
Awards
- 2017 Goblin Magnifico — Nominated
- 2016 The Golden Elephant Award — Finalist
Also Available As
-
Pax Renaissance: 2nd Edition 2021
All editions are grouped on this page — ratings, awards, and statistics apply to all equally.
Pro
- Deep historical simulation of the Renaissance
- Combination of Action Points, Dutch Auction, and Open Drafting
- Part of the established 'Pax' series
- Nominated for Golden Elephant Award (2016) and Goblin Magnifico (2017)
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Extended playtime of about 120 minutes
- Complexity suited for experienced players aged 12+
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Renaissance period, the game explores religion, trade, and politics within the Holy Roman Empire and Europe, featuring trade routes from Portugal to Crimea.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand key mechanics like Dutch Auction and tableau building before playing with experienced players.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Pax Renaissance supports 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The average playtime is around 120 minutes, making it an extended session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is designed for experienced players aged 12 and up familiar with mechanics like Action Points and Dutch Auction.
How does this compare to similar games?
Pax Renaissance combines historical simulation with market mechanics and is part of the 'Pax' series, setting it apart from other Renaissance games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Dutch Auction combined with Open Drafting and Tableau Building defines its unique gameplay.
Fazit
Pax Renaissance is recommended for players seeking deep historical strategy games and willing to invest time in longer sessions.
