Castles of Burgundy Board Game Review
The Castles of Burgundy, designed by Stefan Feld and published by alea and Ravensburger, stands as one of the most respected strategy games in modern board gaming. Released in its updated 2019 edition, this medieval tile-placement game supports 1-4 players aged 12 and up, with sessions lasting 70-120 minutes. This review examines whether the game deserves its reputation among strategy enthusiasts.
The Castles of Burgundy Overview
Set in 15th-century France, players assume the role of aristocrats developing their princedoms in the Burgundy region. The objective centers on building settlements, practicing trade along rivers, exploiting silver mines, and expanding territory through strategic tile placement.
Each player manages their own estate board while competing to earn victory points through various actions. The game spans five phases, each containing five rounds of careful decision-making.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Stefan Feld |
| Publisher | alea, Ravensburger |
| Year Released | 2019 (Updated Edition) |
| Players | 1-4 |
| Age Range | 12+ |
| Playing Time | 70-120 minutes |
| Game Type | Strategy, Tile Placement, Dice |
| Complexity Rating | 2.92/5 |
What’s in The Castles of Burgundy Box
The 2019 edition includes significantly improved components compared to earlier versions. Player boards feature hexagonal spaces representing different regions requiring specific settlement types.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Boards | Personal estate boards with hexagonal grid spaces |
| Settlement Tiles | Hexagonal tiles representing buildings, goods, and animals |
| Dice | Two dice per player for action selection |
| Worker Tokens | Tokens allowing dice modification |
| Goods Tiles | Various goods for trade and delivery |
| Expansions | Eight included expansions, seven previously promotional |
The cardboard thickness has improved in this edition, though some players note the tiles remain thinner than premium alternatives. The included expansions add considerable replay value straight from the box.
The Castles of Burgundy Pros and Cons
Pros
- Deep strategic gameplay that rewards careful planning and adaptation
- Dice mechanism creates meaningful decisions without excessive randomness
- High replay value with multiple player boards and included expansions
- Excellent player scaling from solo to four players
- Satisfying tile placement creates visible progress throughout
Cons
- Learning curve requires several plays to grasp optimal strategies
- Setup and teardown time extends beyond casual game expectations
- Theme feels pasted on rather than deeply integrated
- Visual design appears dated compared to modern releases
How to Play The Castles of Burgundy
Understanding The Castles of Burgundy requires grasping its turn structure and action system. The game rewards players who master these fundamentals early.
Setup
Each player receives a board, two worker tokens, and starting resources. The central board displays numbered depots stocked with settlement tiles and goods. A goods placement die determines tile availability each round.
Turn Structure
Players roll two dice at the start of each round. These dice values determine which actions become available. On your turn, perform two actions from four options: take a tile from a depot matching your die value, place a tile from your staging area onto a matching numbered space, deliver goods corresponding to a die value, or collect worker tokens for future dice adjustment.
Victory Conditions
The game concludes after the fifth round of the fifth phase. Players score throughout for completing regions, delivering goods, and triggering tile abilities. Final scoring adds points for remaining resources and specific tile bonuses. The player with the highest total wins.
Where to Buy The Castles of Burgundy
| Retailer | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Usually in stock |
| Target | Select locations |
| BoardGameGeek Market | New and used copies |
| Local game stores | Varies by location |
| eBay | Multiple listings |
The Castles of Burgundy Game Mechanics
The dice mechanism forms the core of the game. Unlike pure luck-based games, The Castles of Burgundy uses dice to create strategic constraints rather than random outcomes. Worker tokens allow modification of die results, rewarding players who plan ahead.
Tile placement games require spatial awareness, and this game exemplifies the genre. Each tile type triggers unique effects when placed, creating chain reactions of benefits. Castles grant extra actions, mines generate income, and knowledge tiles provide ongoing advantages.
The game also incorporates engine building elements. Early tile placements create foundations for more powerful late-game combinations. Players who understand these connections consistently outperform those focusing solely on immediate points.
Who Should Play The Castles of Burgundy
Strategy enthusiasts seeking depth without overwhelming complexity will appreciate this game. The rules remain accessible while the decision space expands dramatically as experience grows. Players familiar with different types of board games will recognize familiar mechanisms combined in fresh ways.
The Castles of Burgundy suits couples seeking engaging two-player games and works excellently at all player counts. Groups who enjoy Terraforming Mars, Concordia, or other medium-weight euros will find similar satisfaction here.
Avoid this game if your group prefers quick sessions, highly thematic experiences, or games with direct player conflict. The indirect competition and longer playtime may frustrate players seeking immediate engagement.
FAQ
Is The Castles of Burgundy good for beginners?
The game suits players with some board gaming experience. Complete newcomers may feel overwhelmed by the tile variety and scoring options. After two or three sessions, most players grasp the fundamentals and begin developing personal strategies.
How long does The Castles of Burgundy take to play?
Expect 70-120 minutes depending on player count and experience level. Two experienced players can finish in about 70 minutes, while four-player games with newer participants approach the two-hour mark. Setup adds approximately 10 minutes.
What is the best player count for The Castles of Burgundy?
The game performs excellently at all counts from 1-4 players. Two players offers the tightest strategic experience with minimal downtime. Three and four players introduce more competition for specific tiles while extending session length.
Is The Castles of Burgundy worth buying?
For strategy game enthusiasts, absolutely. The 2019 edition provides eight expansions in the base box, delivering exceptional value. The game has remained popular since 2011, indicating lasting appeal beyond initial hype.
What games are similar to The Castles of Burgundy?
Players who enjoy this game often appreciate Concordia for its similar strategic depth, Terraforming Mars for engine building elements, and Azul for satisfying tile placement. Stefan Feld’s other designs like Trajan share comparable decision-making weight.
