Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
- Designer Simone Luciani , Daniele Tascini
- Publisher Czech Games Edition (CGE) , Cranio Creations , Devir , DiceTree Games , Feelindigo
- Illustration Milan Vavroň
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You place workers on interconnected gears and let those gears rotate, moving your workers to different action spots. Placing workers costs corn as currency; when you pick them up you perform actions that depend on the worker's gear position. Later positions on the gears are generally more valuable, and the game ends after a full revolution of the central Tzolkin gear. Multiple paths to victory exist, including pleasing the gods or constructing temples.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for experienced gamers: the authors are Simone Luciani and Daniele Tascini. With 2–4 players and about 90 minutes playtime, it's suited for extended game nights and players familiar with worker placement or engine-building concepts.
How It Works
The core is dynamic Worker Placement: place or retrieve workers on rotating gears (Track Movement). Turn Order: Claim Action and Bias elements influence timing and value of actions. End Game Bonuses and Once-Per-Game Abilities provide additional scoring routes. Players must balance letting time improve their positions against the need to collect actions.
What Makes It Special
The visible gear mechanism makes worker placement time-dependent and tactical; artwork by Milan Vavroň supports the theme. The game won awards in 2012, including Meeples Choice Award (winner) and Swiss Gamers Award (winner). It is identified with components such as Gears and Calendars and evokes Mayan calendrical themes.
Awards
2013
- 2012 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Winner
- 2012 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2012 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
- 2012 Swiss Gamers Award — Winner
Pro
- Distinctive rotating-gear physical mechanic for dynamic Worker Placement
- Multiple strategic paths to victory via End Game Bonuses
- Designed by Simone Luciani & Daniele Tascini
- Award recognition: Meeples Choice Award (winner, 2012) and Swiss Gamers Award (winner, 2012)
Contra
- Targeted at heavier players rather than casual families
- About 90 minutes per game requires time commitment
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game revolves around the Mayan calendar and tribes making economic and religious choices like temple building and offerings. Categories include Ancient, Civilization, Farming and Mythology.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Watch how gear positions change over turns and plan placement versus retrieval across multiple rounds rather than single moves.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
The provided data lists 2–4 players; a solo mode is not confirmed in these sources.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as approximately 90 minutes; allow extra time for setup and teaching.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with worker placement or engine-building games is helpful for this title.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its rotating-gear implementation makes worker placement dynamic and time-based compared with static placement games.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 13 and strategic depth, it fits older children and adult families rather than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The dynamic Worker Placement on interconnected gears (Track Movement) defines the experience.
Fazit
Tzolk'in is recommended for players seeking a mechanical twist on worker placement and willing to invest learning time. Casual groups may find the 90-minute length and planning demands challenging.
