Squatter
- Designer Robert C. Lloyd
- Publisher Jedko Games , John Sands Pty Ltd , Milton Bradley , Murfett , Playworks
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Squatter, you take on the role of an Australian sheep farmer aiming to build the most successful farm by buying and selling sheep and wool. Players move around the board, improving and irrigating pastures while facing challenges like droughts and diseases. The game ends when a player has fully irrigated and stocked all pastures. There is no player elimination; everyone stays in until the end.
Who Is This Game For?
Squatter is suitable for players aged 10 and up, classified as a medium-weight economic game with about 90 minutes playtime. It appeals to players interested in trading and resource management and is best for groups of 2 to 6 who enjoy longer, strategic sessions without requiring deep prior experience.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Commodity Speculation, Trading, Stock Holding, and Roll / Spin and Move. Players earn money by trading sheep and wool, move their tokens around the board triggering events, and invest in pasture improvements. The goal is to irrigate and fully stock all pastures to win.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Robert C. Lloyd, Squatter is Australia's most successful board game with over 500,000 copies sold. Its unique blend of economic gameplay and authentic Australian sheep farming theme makes it a cultural icon and a classic from the 1960s.
Pro
- Classic economic game with authentic theme
- No player elimination – all players stay until the end
- Flexible player count from 2 to 6
- Culturally significant Australian board game
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 90 minutes
- Medium complexity better suited for experienced players
- Older mechanics may feel less dynamic to modern players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in rural Australia, Squatter simulates sheep farming and agriculture, realistically portraying challenges like droughts and livestock diseases, reflecting Australia's farming culture.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on managing your resources efficiently and gradually improving your pastures to succeed in the long run.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Squatter is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes; allow extra time for setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game suits medium-experience players familiar with economic mechanics but is not overly complex.
How does this compare to similar games?
Squatter uniquely combines commodity speculation and trading with Australian sheep farming, making it a classic economic game from the 1960s.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, Squatter is best for older children (10+) and experienced groups, less so for young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of Commodity Speculation, Trading, Stock Holding, and Roll / Spin and Move mechanics defines its unique gameplay.
Fazit
Squatter is recommended for players interested in economic challenges and thematic gameplay about sheep farming. The longer playtime requires patience but offers an engaging experience without player elimination.
