World Without End
- Designer Michael Rieneck , Stefan Stadler
- Publisher KOSMOS , 999 Games , Devir , Filosofia Éditions , Galakta
- Illustration Michael Menzel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In World Without End, players act as citizens of Kingsbridge 200 years after The Pillars of the Earth. You manage building, trading, religion, feeding, and medical knowledge. Each round, an event card defines available actions, requiring careful hand management and adapting to random production. Victory points come from diverse paths like constructing buildings or caring for the sick.
Who Is This Game For?
This game suits experienced and family players aged 12 and up. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it demands patience and strategic planning. Familiarity with hand management mechanics helps newcomers. Designed for 2 to 4 players, it fits well into a game night setting.
How It Works
World Without End combines hand management and random production mechanics. Players manage their hand cards to perform actions and gather resources. At the start of each round, an event card alters available actions, adding variability. Players must strategically allocate resources across building, trading, religion, and medical care to earn victory points.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Michael Rieneck and Stefan Stadler, World Without End was nominated for the 2009 Meeples Choice Award. As part of Kosmos’s literature series, it uniquely integrates Ken Follett's novel themes into gameplay. Compared to other economic strategy games, it offers a narrative-driven experience with dynamic hand management.
Awards
2010
2010
- 2010 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game 3rd Place — Nominated
- 2010 Juego del Año — Finalist
- 2010 Lys Passioné — Finalist
- 2009 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Strong thematic ties to Ken Follett's novel
- Combines hand management with random production
- Supports 2 to 4 players, ideal for family or casual groups
- Nominated for the 2009 Meeples Choice Award
Contra
- Lengthy playtime of about 120 minutes
- Complexity requires experience with hand management
- Recommended for ages 12 and up, not suitable for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in medieval Kingsbridge, England, 200 years after The Pillars of the Earth, the game centers on building, trade, religion, and a plague epidemic as core themes.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on managing your hand efficiently and adapt flexibly to event cards to maximize each round’s potential.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, World Without End is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, making it an extended play session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with hand management mechanics is helpful, as the game requires strategic thinking and planning.
How does this compare to similar games?
World Without End uniquely blends literary themes with hand management and random production for a narrative-driven experience.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 12 and up, it fits families with older or experienced players due to its complexity and length.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management and random production provides dynamic and strategic gameplay.
Fazit
World Without End is recommended for players seeking complex hand management in a literary setting. The 120-minute playtime requires patience and some prior strategy game experience.


























