Skara Brae
Skara Brae at your next game night?
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- Designer Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , CHUR GAMES , Pixie Games , Renegade Game Studios , Schwerkraft-Verlag
- Illustration Sam Phillips
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
You gather resources, provide for settlers and furnish rooms dug into midden piles on the Orkney Islands. Rounds alternate between open drafting and using workers to furnish, cook, craft, clean and trade. Chains of card synergies (Chaining) and changing turn order shape your decisions across four rounds. The focus is on efficient provisioning and building a sustainable settlement.
Who Is This Game For?
Skara Brae targets hobby/enthusiast players (age 13+) who enjoy medium-weight strategy in about 60 minutes. It’s suitable for players who like drafting plus engine-building elements and also offers a dedicated solo experience.
How It Works
The core is Open Drafting: players pick cards from a shared pool in turn. Workers are used to perform actions like furnishing, cooking and trading, while Track Movement and Pass Order mechanics affect turn tempo. Variable Player Powers give asymmetric options and Chaining enables synergies between cards and actions. After each round players must provide for their settlers; the game runs for four rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Shem Phillips, Skara Brae blends historical theme with mechanics such as Open Drafting and Variable Player Powers. It was nominated in 2025 for Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game and Golden Geek Medium Game of the Year. The game's ties to the 'Ancient Anthology (Garphill Games)' series and its Orkney/Scotland setting are distinctive.
Awards
2025
Pro
- Includes a solo mode and earned Golden Geek nominations in 2025
- Open Drafting offers player interaction and meaningful choices
- Variable Player Powers increase replayability and asymmetry
- Around 60 minutes playtime fits many game nights
Contra
- Combination density may be demanding for first-time players
- Ongoing provisioning each round requires consistent attention
Setting & atmosphere
Set roughly 5,000 years ago on the Orkney Islands of northern Scotland, players develop a community living in rooms and tunnels dug into midden heaps.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on learning the draft and the provisioning phases; chaining synergies emerge once you understand card interactions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes Solo/Solitaire rules and supports 1–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as about 60 minutes; expect a longer first game with setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Moderate hobby experience with drafting and resource-management games helps, as the game has medium complexity.
How does this compare to similar games?
Skara Brae combines Open Drafting with worker-like action phases and asymmetric powers, emphasizing drafting plus resource provisioning in a historical theme.
Is this suitable for families?
The minimum age is 13, so it fits families with older children comfortable with medium-weight rules.
What mechanic makes it special?
Open Drafting combined with Chaining and Variable Player Powers defines the game's mechanical identity.
Fazit
Recommended for players who enjoy mid-weight card games with drafting and resource management; solo players get a nominated solitaire option. Not aimed at those wanting light, casual party games.
Skara Brae at your next game night?
Add Skara Brae to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Skara Brae to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
