Shipyard

2-4

Players

120

Minutes

11+

Age

2009

Published

Designer Vladimír Suchý
Publisher Czech Games Edition (CGE) , Heidelberger Spieleverlag , Rio Grande Games
Illustration Milan Vavroň

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What to Expect

In Shipyard, players act as shipbuilders in the 19th century, hiring employees, purchasing equipment, and fulfilling contracts. You select actions on a rondel to gather ship parts and send completed ships on trial runs through canals to score points for speed, crew, and safety. The modular board and open drafting add variety and strategic depth, requiring careful planning and contract management.

Who Is This Game For?

Shipyard is a strategy game for 2 to 4 experienced players aged 11 and up. With a duration of around 120 minutes, it demands patience and familiarity with heavier economic Eurogames to master mechanics like rondel and set collection.

How It Works

Players take turns selecting actions from a rondel using open drafting, allowing them to hire staff, buy equipment, or complete ships. Ships are built from multiple cards and scoring bonuses come from government contracts and end-game bonuses. The modular board influences available actions and gameplay complexity.

Contracts End Game Bonuses Modular Board Open Drafting Rondel Set Collection

What Makes It Special

Designed by Vladimír Suchý, Shipyard was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2009 and for the International Gamers Awards and JoTa Best Heavy Board Game in 2010. Its combination of rondel mechanics, open drafting, and modular board offers a distinctive maritime economic strategy experience.

Awards

Nominated
2010

2010 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game — Nominated
2009 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated

Pro

Deep rondel mechanism combined with open drafting
Modular board offers high variability
Economic theme with maritime focus
Nominated for prestigious game awards

Contra

Relatively long playtime of about 120 minutes
Requires strategic planning and prior experience
Not suitable for families with younger children

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in the 19th century, Shipyard captures the era when sea transportation gained importance. Players act as shipyard owners building vessels for trade and naval purposes.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on efficiently using the rondel actions and spotting synergies among your ship components.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Shipyard is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

The game lasts about 120 minutes, roughly 30 minutes per player.

What prior experience do I need?

Shipyard is a heavier strategy game requiring familiarity with economic and strategic Eurogames.

How does this compare to similar games?

Shipyard combines the rondel mechanic with open drafting and a modular board, providing strategic depth and variety unique to maritime economic games.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and length, Shipyard is better suited for experienced players rather than families with younger children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of rondel, open drafting, and set collection delivers a layered strategic gameplay.

Fazit

Shipyard is recommended for experienced players who enjoy complex economic strategy games. It's less suitable for casual players or families due to its length and depth.