The Red Cathedral
- Designer Isra C. , Shei S.
- Publisher Devir , 999 Games , Banana Games , BoardBros , GaGa Games
- Illustration Chema Román , Pedro Soto
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In The Red Cathedral, you take on the role of a construction team leader building St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. You assign sections of the cathedral, send resources to build them, and gather more resources on the game board. The game requires careful attention to other players' moves as you compete to gain the Tsar's favor. Strategic use of Dice Rolling, Contracts, and a Rondel action selection shapes your path to victory.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets enthusiasts and expert players aged 10 and up who enjoy medium-complexity Eurogames with about 80 minutes playtime. Experience with strategic mechanics like Area Majority and Contracts is beneficial but not mandatory. It's a good fit for players who appreciate thoughtful planning and tactical resource management.
How It Works
Players use Dice Rolling to send resources to cathedral sections they control. The Rondel mechanism lets you choose between assigning sections, sending resources, or gathering more resources. Area Majority determines control and influence over parts of the cathedral, while Contracts and End Game Bonuses reward strategic development. The game also includes a solo mode.
What Makes It Special
Designed by the duo Isra C. and Shei S., The Red Cathedral blends Dice Rolling with Area Majority in a Euro-style setting. The game won the 2020 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Complex Game award and was nominated for several others, including Golden Geek Medium Game of the Year. Its art style pays homage to Russian artist Ivan Bilibin, and it belongs to the Cities series focusing on Moscow.
Awards
2020
- 2021 GEEKS d'OURO Board Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2020 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Complex Game — Winner
- 2020 5 Seasons Best Solo Mode — Nominated
- 2020 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Strategic depth from blending Dice Rolling, Area Majority, and Contracts
- Includes solo mode
- Winner of 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Complex Game 2020
- Artwork inspired by Ivan Bilibin
Contra
- Requires time to learn due to complexity
- About 80 minutes playtime may be long for casual gamers
- Not ideal for younger family members
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set during the construction of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow under Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Players compete as builders seeking the Tsar's favor in a historical Russian city.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding the core mechanics like the Rondel and Area Majority before exploring advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, The Red Cathedral includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 80 minutes plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with Euro games and strategic mechanics helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines Dice Rolling with Area Majority and Contracts for deep strategic choices.
Is this suitable for families?
Its complexity and length make it better suited for older kids and enthusiasts rather than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Dice Rolling, Area Majority, and the Rondel action selection defines its gameplay.
Fazit
The Red Cathedral is a recommended Eurogame for players who enjoy strategic dice and area control mechanics. Due to its complexity, it might be challenging for casual or family players.
