18Africa

About this board game

18Africa is an 18xx game for 2–7 players, set on the African continent and lasting around 240 minutes. Released in 2014, it draws inspiration from 1829 Mainline while enhancing the gameplay to reduce some of the original game’s luck factor.

Each game uses a random selection of 9 companies from a total of 17. This changing selection gives every session a different combination of companies, creating variety from one play to the next without changing the game’s central 18xx structure.

Like a standard 18xx game, 18Africa is organized around a series of share dealing rounds followed by several operating rounds. Players experience the familiar rhythm of dealing with shares before companies take their turns to operate.

• 2–7 players
• Approximately 240 minutes of play
• 17 companies, with 9 randomly selected for each game
• 7 concessions auctioned before the second share dealing round
• A variable financial market when companies operate

The game’s distinctive elements go beyond its setting. Before the second share dealing round, 7 concessions are auctioned, adding a dedicated auction stage to the flow of play. During operating rounds, the financial market is variable, providing another notable difference from a standard 18xx format.

With its African setting, shifting company selection, concession auctions, and modified financial market, 18Africa offers an 18xx experience built around changing conditions and reduced reliance on luck compared with its inspiration.