Raiders of the North Sea
- Designer Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , Angry Lion Games , Banana Games , CrowD Games , Games Factory Publishing
- Illustration Mihajlo Dimitrievski
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players act as Viking raiders preparing crews, gathering provisions and launching raids on settlements to gain plunder and glory. Gameplay alternates between village work actions to recruit and supply your crew and raids against harbors, outposts, monasteries or fortresses. Turns consist of placing a worker and picking up another, with end conditions tied to remaining fortress raids, Valkyries, or offerings.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby/enthusiast players (not a light family filler). With about 80 minutes playtime, it suits groups who enjoy tactical decision-making and resource planning. Prior experience with worker-placement and hand-management mechanics is useful.
How It Works
Each turn you place a worker and then take up a different worker, resolving both actions; this creates tight interaction. Core mechanics include Worker Placement, Hand Management, Dice Rolling and Contracts. Village buildings provide preparatory actions (crew, provisions), while raids require meeting crew and provision requirements and sometimes gold or specific worker colors.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Shem Phillips, Raiders blends Worker Placement with Dice Rolling and Contracts in a Viking raid theme. It was nominated for the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2017 and won Mensa Select in 2018. The split between preparation in the village and targeted raids sets it apart from pure engine-builders.
Awards
2018
2017
2017
- 2019 Gouden Ludo Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2019 Niederländischer Spielepreis - Expertenspiel — Winner
- 2019 Gouden Ludo - best family game — Winner
- 2018 Origins Awards Best Board Game — Nominated
- 2017 Swiss Gamers Award — Nominated
Pro
- Strong Viking theme tied to gameplay.
- Strategic depth from Worker Placement and Hand Management (mechanics).
- Multiple scoring routes via raids, plunder and offerings.
- Recognized title: Mensa Select winner 2018 (awards).
Contra
- Around 80 minutes playtime requires a time commitment (duration_minutes).
- Higher complexity than light family games; learning curve present (min_age 12).
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the central years of the Viking Age, the game focuses on raiding settlements, taking plunder and making offerings to impress the chieftain. Categories list Medieval and Nautical themes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on village actions to recruit crew and gather provisions; mastering worker placement timing helps a lot.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. The game lists a minimum of 2 players; no solo mode is indicated.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 80 minutes; include extra time for setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with Worker Placement and Hand Management is helpful; it's aimed at hobby/enthusiast players.
How does this compare to similar games?
The combination of village preparation and focused raids plus Dice Rolling and Contracts gives it a different rhythm than pure engine-builders.
Is this suitable for families?
With a 12+ age recommendation and moderate complexity, it's better for families with older kids or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
Worker Placement combined with Hand Management and Dice Rolling defines its core gameplay.
Fazit
A solid choice for fans of tactical worker-placement games who can commit roughly 80 minutes per session. Less suitable if you prefer short, lightweight family games.
