Fields of Arle

2014

Fields of Arle is a captivating 1-2 player game. Live as a farmer, work the land, build your fortune, experience different seasons, and lead your small town to prosperity!

120
minutes

1 - 2
player(s)

13+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Welcome to the enchanting world of the board game, Fields of Arle. This unique game takes you on a journey to the lush landscapes of East Frisia, where you’ll immerse yourself in the life of a farmer in the small town of Arle. This game is not just about winning or losing; it’s about the experience of shaping your homestead in the beautiful countryside, surrounded by rivers and moorland.

In Fields of Arle, the setting is not just a backdrop; it shapes the gameplay. You are not just a player; you are a resident of Arle, making strategic decisions to expand your land, cultivate and harvest your crops, raise livestock, and build and upgrade your buildings. It’s a rich and immersive experience that brings the charming rural world of Arle to life.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The board game ‘Fields of Arle’ is a complex and immersive game that includes a variety of components. Each piece plays a crucial role in the gameplay and contributes to the overall experience. Here is a detailed list of all the components in ‘Fields of Arle’ and their uses:

1. Game Board

The game board is the main platform where players perform their actions. It is divided into different sections representing the East Frisia landscape with areas for buildings, vehicles, and resources.

2. Home Boards

Each player receives a Home Board that represents their own personal farm. Players will develop this land over the course of the game, adding buildings and animals.

3. Goods Tiles

There are several types of Goods Tiles in ‘Fields of Arle’ – wood, clay, iron, brick, and peat. These are resources used for various actions like constructing buildings or crafting tools.

4. Building Tiles

Building Tiles represent buildings that players can construct on their Home Board. Each building offers different benefits and can influence a player’s strategy.

5. Animal Tiles

Animal Tiles represent three types of livestock: sheep, cattle, and horses. Animals can be kept in stables and fields on players’ Home Boards and can provide various benefits.

6. Peat Tokens

Peat Tokens are a resource that players can collect and use for heating buildings.

7. Tool Tiles

Tool Tiles represent the tools that workers can use to improve their actions. The more advanced the tool, the more efficient the corresponding action becomes.

8. Vehicle Tiles

Vehicle Tiles represent wagons and ships that players can use to transport goods or travel to distant locations on the game board.

9. Worker Tokens

Worker Tokens represent a player’s workforce. Players assign these tokens to different tasks on the game board to perform actions.

10. Food Tokens

Food Tokens are a resource that players must manage throughout the game. Players must have enough food to feed their workers at certain points in the game.

11. Supply Board

The Supply Board is where players can acquire additional resources, tools, and vehicles. It is also where players can trade goods for points at the end of the game.

12. Turn Track and Turn Marker

The Turn Track is used to keep track of the current round, and the Turn Marker moves along this track to indicate the progress of the game.

13. Scoring Pad

The Scoring Pad is used at the end of the game to tally up each player’s points. The player with the most points wins the game.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Fields of Arle is a strategic board game where players take on the role of farmers to build and manage their farmsteads. The game is for one or two players. Here is a detailed guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Set Up Game Board

Place the large game board in the middle of the table. This board represents the landscape of Arle, depicting various fields, buildings, and resources.

Step 2: Set Up Player Boards

Each player receives a home board. The home board is placed in front of the player and shows your farmstead. It should be oriented with the summer side (green border) up.

Step 3: Set Up Supply Boards

Set the three supply boards to the side of the game board. These contain the various goods, tools, and resources used in the game.

Step 4: Set Up Resource Tokens

Place the resource tokens (wood, clay, iron, etc.) on their corresponding spaces on the supply boards. These resources will be used by players throughout the game to build up their farmsteads.

Step 5: Set Up Tool Tiles

On the Tool Indicator board, place one tool tile on each of the 12 tool spaces. The number on the tile should match the number on the space.

Step 6: Set Up Animal Tiles

Randomly place the animal tiles on the corresponding animal spaces on the supply board. These animals can be acquired by players throughout the game to add to their farmsteads.

Step 7: Set Up Building Tiles

Position the building tiles on the appropriate spaces on the game board. Each building has a unique benefit and cost, and these buildings can be erected on a player’s farmstead during the game.

Step 8: Set Up Initial Resources

Each player starts with a few initial resources on their home board. These resources include 2 peat, 1 wood, 1 clay, and 1 grain. Place these resources on their corresponding storage spaces on the player’s home board.

Step 9: Set Up Workers

Each player has 3 workers, represented by round discs. Place these workers on the ‘house’ space of the player’s home board.

Step 10: Determine First Player

Randomly determine the first player. This player will take the first turn when the game begins.

After these steps, you are ready to start playing Fields of Arle. Remember, the goal of the game is to develop your farmstead to earn the most victory points. Good luck and have fun!

Game flow Round and round we go

The board game ‘Fields of Arle’ is a complex and engaging game set in the East Frisia region of Germany. It is a game of strategic planning and resource management, with players taking on the role of farmers trying to build a prosperous estate. The game is played over a series of nine half-year turns, each consisting of several phases.

Preparation Phase:

The game begins with the Preparation Phase. In this phase, each player will set up their own personal playing area, which includes a home board and a farmyard board. Players will also receive a starting set of resources, such as peat and livestock. The supply boards are filled with goods and tools, and the travel destinations are revealed.

Work Phase:

Next is the Work Phase. During this phase, players will take turns placing one of their workers on an available action space on the central game board. Each action space corresponds to a specific action that a player can perform, such as gathering resources, building structures, or cultivating farmland. It’s important to note that each action can only be performed once per round, so strategic planning is essential.

Progression Phase:

Following the Work Phase is the Progression Phase. In this phase, each player can perform one additional action by using a tool that they have acquired. Tools provide a variety of benefits and can be used to enhance a player’s actions or to perform special actions that are not available on the game board.

Travel Phase:

The final phase is the Travel Phase. In this phase, players have the opportunity to send their workers on travels, allowing them to visit different locations and gain various benefits. Traveling requires a horse and a vehicle, and the further a player travels, the greater the benefits they can receive.

Once all players have completed their travels, the round ends. All workers are returned to their owners, and the game board is reset for the next round.
After nine rounds, the game ends. Players add up their points from various sources, such as buildings, animals, and goods. The player with the most points is declared the winner.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In Fields of Arle, a board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg, players take on the role of farmers living in the East-Frisian town of Arle in the 18th century. Each player’s turn is divided into numerous actions, which are designed to simulate the tasks a farmer might complete over the course of a year. Understanding these actions and their strategic implications is crucial to mastering the game.

Summer and Winter Rounds

Each game year in Fields of Arle is divided into a summer round and a winter round. The actions available to players differ between these two rounds, reflecting the different tasks that a farmer might undertake in the different seasons.

Available Actions

Players can choose from a range of actions during their turn. Here are some of the actions possible during the summer and winter rounds:

Building: Players can construct buildings, which provide various benefits and possibilities for scoring points. The available buildings vary between summer and winter.
Traveling: Players can travel to trade with neighboring towns. Travelling is only possible during the summer round.
Peat cutting: This action, available in the summer round, allows players to gather peat, a resource that can be used to heat buildings.
Animal husbandry: Players can breed animals, which are necessary for certain buildings and can also be used to produce goods.
Farming: Players can sow and harvest crops. This action is available in both summer and winter rounds.
Crafting: Players can craft tools, which enhance the efficiency of certain actions. Crafting is available in the winter round.

Strategic Choices

The strategic choices in Fields of Arle revolve around the efficient use of actions and resources. The order in which actions are taken, the buildings that are built, and the resources that are gathered can all significantly impact a player’s success.

For example, a player might choose to focus on building a strong infrastructure of buildings early in the game, which will provide them with ongoing benefits. Alternatively, a player might choose to focus on gathering resources and breeding animals, which can be used to achieve high-scoring actions later in the game.

A player’s strategy should also be influenced by the actions of their opponents. By anticipating the actions of other players, one can plan their turn to take advantage of opportunities or to block opponents’ strategies.

Gameplay Impact

The choices made during each player’s turn greatly influence the flow and outcome of the game. A well-planned strategy can lead to a cascade of efficient actions and high scores, whereas poor planning can leave a player struggling to keep up. Therefore, understanding the potential actions and their strategic implications is key to mastering Fields of Arle.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Fields of Arle’ concludes after nine rounds. Each round represents a half-year, with the whole game symbolizing a four and a half year period. It’s important to note that the game does not have any sudden victory conditions – it will always last for the full nine rounds.

Once the ninth round has ended, players move into the final scoring phase. This phase involves the following steps:

Work Phase Scoring: First, players score their work phase. Each player scores one point for each good (peat, grain, flax, timber, brick, iron, and cattle) that they have in their supply. However, goods in their reserve do not count towards this total.
Building Scoring: Next, players score points for their buildings. The points awarded for each building are indicated on the building itself. Some buildings may also provide bonus points for certain conditions.
Land Scoring: After scoring buildings, players score points for their land. They receive points for each field, pasture, and moor that they have developed. Fields and pastures provide one point each, while moors provide two points each.
Travel Scoring: Players then score points for their travel experience. They receive points for each travel destination that they have visited. The points awarded for each destination are indicated on the destination itself.
Tool Scoring: Finally, players score points for their tools. They receive points for each level of tool improvement that they have achieved. The points awarded for each level of improvement are indicated on the tool track.

After all these steps have been completed, the player with the highest total score is the winner. In the event of a tie, the player who is first in player order is the winner. If the tied players are not next to each other in player order, the player closest to the start player in clockwise order is the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the board game ‘Fields of Arle’, players earn points based on their development and activities during the game. The scoring system is as follows:

1. Buildings and Vehicles:

Each building and vehicle has a point value indicated on it. Players add up the points of all their buildings and vehicles.

2. Land Development:

Players earn points based on the number of developed land spaces on their home board. Each developed land space is worth one point.

3. Goods:

Players earn points for each set of different types of goods they have. The points per set depends on the number of different types of goods in the set.

4. Animals:

Players earn points for each animal they have. The points per animal depends on the type of animal.

5. Travel Points:

Players earn travel points for each space they have moved on the travel track.

6. Bonus Points:

Players can earn bonus points from certain buildings and vehicles, as indicated on them.

All these points are added together to get the player’s final score. The player with the highest score wins the game.

Tie-breaking rules:

If two or more players have the same final score, the tie is broken in the following order:

The player with the most unused resources wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most buildings wins.
If there is still a tie, the player with the most vehicles wins.
If there is still a tie, the player who is earlier in the turn order wins.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Fields of Arle is a complex and deep strategy game. While the rulebook is comprehensive, there are several rare or special rules and clarifications that players may need to know:

1. Tool Shed:

In the Tool Shed, players can only place one worker per round. If a player has already placed a worker in the Tool Shed during a round, they may not place another, even if the space is still available.

2. Winter Rounds:

During Winter rounds, players are not allowed to use the “Cut Peat” action. This can easily be overlooked by new players, as it is not explicitly stated in the rules. Only the “Cut Peat” action is restricted – players can still use “Drain Moor” and “Build Peat Boat” actions.

3. Travel Destinations:

Travel Destinations are limited and once a player moves to a destination, other players cannot move to the same destination in the same round. Also, a player cannot travel to the same destination twice in a row in consecutive rounds.

4. Buildings:

Buildings can provide a variety of benefits, but they must be utilized properly. A building’s effect is only triggered when a player places a worker on it. Simply owning the building does not grant its benefits.

5. Grocer:

The Grocer allows a player to purchase one or two goods of the same type. However, players must remember that the goods are not free. They must give up a flax, wool, or hide in exchange.

6. Dike Line:

While building a dike line, always remember that the new dike must connect to the existing dike line. It is not allowed to start a new separate dike line.

7. Vehicle Actions:

When using a vehicle to travel or transport goods, the vehicle must return to the player’s home farm at the end of the action. This can limit the flexibility of the player’s actions during a round.

By keeping these special rules and exceptions in mind, players can avoid common pitfalls and more fully enjoy the strategic depth of Fields of Arle.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

The board game Fields of Arle requires thoughtful strategy and careful planning. Optimizing your gameplay will involve understanding the game’s mechanics, recognizing common mistakes, and applying both beginner-level and advanced strategies. Below are some tips to improve your game.

Beginner Tips:

Understanding the Game: As a new player, take the time to understand the game’s mechanics. This is not a game you can win by luck; you’ll need to understand how the board works, what each action does, and how to best use your resources.
Focus on Building: One of the most effective strategies for beginners is to focus on building. This provides you with more options and makes your farm more efficient.
Don’t Ignore Peat: Peat is a crucial resource in Fields of Arle. Beginners often ignore it, but it’s crucial for heating your home and for certain buildings. Make sure to gather it early on.

Advanced Strategies:

Balance Your Actions: The key to a successful game is balancing your actions. You’ll need to balance building, farming, and resource gathering. Ignoring any of these areas can lead to a lack of resources or a slow game.
Plan Ahead: Fields of Arle is a game that rewards long-term planning. Try to plan your actions a few turns ahead and aim for synergies between your buildings and actions.
Use Your Travel Destinations: Travel destinations can provide huge benefits, but they require careful planning. Make sure to make the most out of your travels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Tools: Tools are a crucial part of Fields of Arle. They increase the efficiency of your actions. Ignoring tools is a common mistake that can lead to a slow game and wasted actions.
Over-focusing on One Strategy: While it’s important to have a strategy, focusing too much on one area can lead to a lack of balance. This can leave you short of resources or options.
Not Planning Ahead: As mentioned above, Fields of Arle rewards planning. Failing to plan your actions ahead of time can lead to wasted turns and missed opportunities.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Efficiency is Key: Your actions are limited, so make sure each one counts. This means thinking carefully about your action order, and making sure each action contributes to your overall strategy.
Adapt to the Game: Each game of Fields of Arle is different. To optimize your gameplay, be ready to adapt your strategy based on the game’s conditions and your opponent’s actions.
Use All of Your Resources: Resources are there to be used. Don’t be afraid to spend them to advance your strategy. Hoarding resources can slow down your game and reduce your options.