Pioneers
Pioneers at your next game night?
Add Pioneers to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Emanuele Ornella
- Publisher Queen Games , Piatnik
- Illustration Markus Erdt
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
In Pioneers, players build roads and networks between cities while placing pioneers with specific professions only in matching cities. Coaches transport pioneers around the map, earning players money and victory points. Players also earn income when others use their roads. At the end, the largest connected network of pioneers grants bonus points.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, Pioneers is a medium-weight strategy game suitable for enthusiasts. With a 60-minute playtime, it fits well into a game night and does not require extensive prior experience.
How It Works
Players construct routes connecting cities (Network and Route Building), move coaches carrying pioneers (Point to Point Movement), and deliver pioneers to appropriate cities (Pick-up and Deliver). After deploying all pioneers in a coach, players receive money and victory points. The largest network of connected roads grants additional points at game's end.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Emanuele Ornella and recommended for the 2018 Kennerspiel des Jahres, Pioneers combines Network and Route Building with Pick-up and Deliver mechanics in an American West theme. It is part of Queen Games’ Yellow Wave Box series.
Awards
2018
Pro
- Combines Network and Route Building with Pick-up and Deliver
- Recommended Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018
- Suitable for 2 to 4 players
- 60-minute playtime fits game night length
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Too complex for children under 8
- Requires strategic planning and thinking
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in the American West, focusing on settling cities and building roads to connect them, reflecting pioneer expansion and transportation.
Tips for beginners
Focus on building a connected road network early to maximize end-game points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, Pioneers is designed for 2 to 4 players and has no solo variant.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
As a medium-weight strategy game, some understanding of network building and resource management helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
Pioneers uniquely blends Network and Route Building with Pick-up and Deliver in an American West setting, differing from classic train games.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 8 and up, it's best for families with older children and strategy enthusiasts.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Network and Route Building with Pick-up and Deliver and Point to Point Movement defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Pioneers is a solid strategy game for 2-4 players who enjoy building networks and tactical placement, with a manageable 60-minute playtime ideal for game nights.
Pioneers at your next game night?
Add Pioneers to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Pioneers to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
