Vikings
- Designer Michael Kiesling
- Publisher Hans im Glück , Albi , Filosofia Éditions , MINDOK , Rio Grande Games
- Illustration Harald Lieske , Michael Menzel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Vikings, players compete over six rounds to bid on pairs of meeples and ship tiles, placing them strategically on islands. The game features no direct player conflict, focusing instead on indirect competition for resources through an innovative pricing wheel that sets the cost of items. This creates a dynamic economic challenge within a Viking setting, where careful bidding and placement yield victory points.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 13 and up, Vikings is a medium-weight game suitable for enthusiasts who enjoy economic strategy without heavy confrontation. With a game time around 60 minutes, it fits well into a game night and requires some patience to master the unique pricing mechanics.
How It Works
Vikings uses Auction / Bidding, Rondel, and Tile Placement mechanics. Each round, players bid on pairs of meeples and tiles, whose prices are determined by a rondel wheel. Purchased components are placed on the board to settle islands. Victory Points also act as a resource, requiring players to balance scoring with spending. This interplay demands strategic resource management and timing.
What Makes It Special
Michael Kiesling's Vikings stands out with its distinctive price rondel auction system. It earned a Spiel des Jahres recommendation and placed third in the 2007 Deutscher Spiele Preis. As part of the Viking theme family, it uniquely combines auction bidding with tactical tile placement.
Awards
2008
2007
- 2008 Boardgames Australia Awards Best International Game — Nominated
- 2008 Hra roku — Nominated
- 2007 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 3rd Place — Nominated
- 2007 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Unique price rondel auction mechanic
- Combination of Auction / Bidding and Tile Placement
- Spiel des Jahres 2007 recommended
- 60-minute playtime suitable for medium-weight game fans
Contra
- No direct player interaction
- Requires patience to understand pricing mechanics
- Not designed for younger players (13+)
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a medieval Viking world focused on trade and settlement rather than exploration or combat, emphasizing economic and territorial development.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on learning how the price rondel affects bidding and watch how prices shift during the game.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Vikings is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, making it suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is medium-weight and requires basic understanding of auctions and tile placement.
How does this compare to similar games?
Vikings is unique due to its price rondel auction mechanic that combines resource pricing with bidding.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation of 13+, it is better suited for experienced players than families with young kids.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Auction / Bidding with a price rondel is the game’s standout feature.
Fazit
Vikings is recommended for players seeking a moderate-length economic tile placement game with indirect interaction. It is less suited for families with younger children due to age and complexity.
