Viscounts of the West Kingdom
- Designer S J Macdonald , Shem Phillips
- Publisher Garphill Games , Banana Games , CMON Global Limited , Fever Games , Lavka Games
- Illustration Mihajlo Dimitrievski
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set around circa 980 AD, the game places players as viscounts competing for influence as the king’s power wanes. You recruit townsfolk, travel the kingdom, build structures, write manuscripts and acquire deeds to earn victory points. The game ends when the kingdom reaches poverty or prosperity. Expect political maneuvering, influence contests and long-term engine development.
Who Is This Game For?
This is a strategy euro for ages 12+, supporting 1–4 players and typically around 90 minutes. It suits players who enjoy planning, hand management and pool/deck-building. Newcomers should allow time to learn the interactions of influence and card/pool mechanics.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Area Majority / Influence, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building and Hand Management on a Modular Board. Players expand their influence across different areas, improve their personal pool/deck and use actions to construct buildings and gain deeds. End Game Bonuses and King of the Hill elements influence final scoring. The interplay of area control and card/pool development drives strategic choices.
What Makes It Special
Designed by S J Macdonald and Shem Phillips with art by Mihajlo Dimitrievski, published by Garphill Games and others. The title received multiple nominations in 2020–2021, including Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel and Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year. It's part of Garphill Games' 'Medieval Trilogies' series.
Awards
2020
- 2021 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2021 JUG Adult Game of the Year — Finalist
- 2020 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel — Nominated
- 2020 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Blend of area-majority and deck/pool-building enables varied strategies
- Modular board increases replayability
- Supports solo play (1 player)
- Multiple industry nominations in 2020/2021
Contra
- Around 90 minutes per game may be long for casual groups
- Initial learning curve for hand-management and engine-building
Setting & Atmosphäre
The theme is medieval Francia around 980 AD, focusing on declining royal authority and rising local power. Conflicts between court, populace and landholders form the core narrative.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on learning the action spaces and how your pool/deck develops; plan toward scoring opportunities rather than short-term gains.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. indicates a solo mode is included.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 90 minutes; first plays with explanations and setup can take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with hand management and deck/pool-building helps; newcomers should expect a learning curve.
How does this compare to similar games?
Viscounts mixes area-majority with deck/bag/pool building and a modular board, distinguishing it from pure worker-placement or pure deck-builders.
Is this suitable for families?
With min_age = 12 and its complexity, it's better for families with experienced gamers than for very young players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Majority / Influence with Deck, Bag, and Pool Building is the game’s standout mechanic pairing.
Fazit
A solid euro for players who like area control plus deck/pool-building. Recommended if you value 90-minute strategic sessions and modular variability.
