Valley of the Mammoths
- Designer Bruno Faidutti
- Publisher Descartes Editeur , Eurogames , Ludodélire
- Illustration Bernard Bittler , Copik Buntz , Gérard Mathieu
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Valley of the Mammoths, you lead a tribe of cavemen struggling to survive in a dangerous prehistoric world. You hunt mammoths, gather resources, and defend your tribe against rival players and wild animals like saber-toothed tigers. The unpredictable nature, including volcanic eruptions, adds chaos and urgency to each game. Managing your tribe’s survival while competing for limited resources creates a tense experience.
Who Is This Game For?
This game is designed for experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy complex civilization and combat games. With a playtime of around 180 minutes, it suits longer gaming sessions. It requires three to six players and offers no solo mode. The mix of dice luck and tactical planning demands patience and some prior gaming experience.
How It Works
The modular board represents the prehistoric valley where you position your tribe. Dice rolling resolves hunts and battles, while player elimination is possible if your tribe is defeated. You gather resources like bison and fruits, protect your women from rival tribes, and plan actions carefully to survive the chaotic environment and natural hazards.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Bruno Faidutti, Valley of the Mammoths was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2001. It blends civilization elements with player elimination and dice rolling mechanics in a prehistoric setting. Part of the 'Animals: Mammoths' family, it offers a unique mix of combat, survival, and resource management on a modular board.
Awards
- 2001 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Authentic prehistoric theme with wild animals and natural hazards
- Combination of dice rolling, player elimination, and modular board
- Meeples Choice Award nominee 2001
- Strategic depth through resource management and combat
Contra
- Long playtime of about 180 minutes requires patience
- Requires at least three players, no solo mode
- Complexity may be high for beginners
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a prehistoric valley where humans and nature are in constant conflict. Wild animals, rival tribes, and natural disasters shape the tense atmosphere.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on gathering resources and weighing risks in battles before engaging aggressively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Valley of the Mammoths is designed for three to six players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 180 minutes, suitable for longer game sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game suits experienced players aged 12 and up who are comfortable with complex strategy games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Valley of the Mammoths uniquely combines civilization elements with player elimination and dice rolling in a prehistoric setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced teens and adults rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of dice rolling, player elimination, and a modular board creates varied and unpredictable gameplay.
Fazit
Valley of the Mammoths is a demanding strategy game for players seeking complex civilization and combat mechanics in a prehistoric world. Its long playtime and competitive nature make it ideal for experienced groups of three or more.
