The Guild of Merchant Explorers
- Designer Matthew Dunstan , Brett J. Gilbert
- Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group , CMON Global Limited , Delirium Games , Lucky Duck Games , Origames
- Illustration Gerralt Landman
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In The Guild of Merchant Explorers, each player builds cities and connections on a personal hex grid by revealing terrain cards and placing cubes accordingly. You explore new lands, cross seas, and can search shipwrecks for treasures that grant special abilities. Common objectives reward points, especially for the first to complete them. At round's end, only cities remain on the board, requiring continuous expansion.
Who Is This Game For?
This is a medium-weight strategy game suitable for experienced players aged 14 and up. With a 45-minute playtime and a solo mode, it appeals to those who enjoy tactical engine-building and area expansion without overly long sessions.
How It Works
Players start with one city on their hex map. Terrain cards are revealed, and players place cubes connected to cities or other cubes. By chaining locations, drawing lines, and building networks and routes, players score points and found new cities. After each round, all cubes except cities are removed, demanding strategic planning for sustainable growth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert, The Guild of Merchant Explorers won the 2023 Bulgarian Board Game Awards International Game of the Year. Its unique mix of Bingo, Hidden Victory Points, and modular map exploration sets it apart. The game also features solo play and digital versions on Board Game Arena and TableTop Simulator.
Awards
2022
- 2023 American Tabletop Strategy Games — Recommended
- 2023 Bulgarian Board Game Awards International Game of the Year — Winner
- 2023 Lys Initié — Nominated
- 2022 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Solo mode included
- Unique combination of Bingo, Chaining, and Network Building
- Modular maps provide variety
- Winner of 2023 Bulgarian Board Game Awards International Game of the Year
Contra
- Higher complexity for beginners
- Requires focus and patience for full playtime
- Minimum age of 14 limits suitability for younger families
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantasy world of exploration and adventure, players discover unknown territories, found trading cities, and collect treasures on a modular map.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on connecting your cities efficiently and expanding steadily to avoid getting stuck on the map.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, The Guild of Merchant Explorers includes a solo mode for single players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts around 45 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a medium-weight strategy game requiring some experience with tactical mechanics and patience.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines Bingo and Hidden Victory Points with modular map exploration and a strong focus on network building.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 14, it is better suited for older children and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Bingo, Chaining, and Network and Route Building makes the mechanics stand out.
Fazit
A varied strategy game with high replayability, ideal for experienced players seeking tactical challenges in a moderate playtime. The solo mode adds further versatility.
