Great Western Trail

2016

Immerse yourself in 19th century America as a rancher in Great Western Trail! Strategize your cattle herding, hire staff, and manage resources to earn the most victory points.

150
minutes

2 - 4
player(s)

12+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Great Western Trail is a deeply immersive and strategic board game that takes you on a captivating journey through the 19th-century American West. As players, you will take on the roles of experienced cattle herders embarking on a rugged journey from Texas to Kansas City, where you auction off your cattle and dispatch your most trusted staff to generate profits and build a successful cattle trade business.

In terms of theme and setting, Great Western Trail offers an authentic experience of the old west. The game’s design, complete with a vibrant game board illustrating a sprawling western trail and components like cattle cards and cowboy meeples, captures the essence of the cattle drive era. The game’s thematic depth goes beyond aesthetic appeal, however, as it perfectly intertwines with the mechanics to create a rich, engrossing gameplay experience.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Great Western Trail is a strategic board game with numerous components, each playing a vital role in the game’s mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of the components and their functions:

1. Game Board: The game board is the central component of Great Western Trail. It’s a colorful, intricate map where players move their cattle herders, depicting a network of trails with different stations and buildings.

2. Player Boards: Each player receives a player board, which serves as their personal overview and workspace during the game. It indicates the player’s private buildings, cattle cards, and cowboys.

3. Wooden Pieces: Each player has a set of wooden pieces in their color that consist of cattle herders, discs, and trains. They represent the player’s progress and movements on the game board.

4. Building Tiles: There are different types of building tiles that players can place on the game board. These buildings provide various benefits or actions when landed upon.

5. Worker Tiles: Worker tiles represent cowboys, craftsmen, and engineers that players can hire to enhance their action abilities. They are used in the job market area of the game board.

6. Station Master Tiles: Station Master Tiles can be collected by players when they reach certain train stations. These provide unique bonuses and end-game scoring opportunities.

7. Hazard Tiles: Hazard tiles represent obstacles along the trail such as floods, rockfalls, and droughts. They hinder the players’ progress and must be removed or bypassed.

8. Cattle Cards: Cattle cards represent the herd each player is driving along the trail. They come in different breeds and values, and are used for trading in the cattle market, thereby earning income and victory points.

9. Money: The game includes play money that players earn and spend throughout the game. It is used for various transactions such as hiring workers, building structures, and removing hazards.

10. Objective Cards: Objective cards provide players with specific goals to achieve for extra victory points. They add an extra layer of strategy to the game.

11. Player Tokens: Player tokens are used on the scoring track to keep track of each player’s score throughout the game.

Each of these components interact with each other to create a complex and engaging gameplay experience. Players must strategically manage their resources, make smart decisions, and navigate the board effectively to outscore their opponents and emerge as the most successful cattle herder.

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

Great Western Trail is a complex and engaging board game for 2-4 players. The objective is to herds of cattle from Texas to Kansas City and then ship them off by train. The game involves strategic use of resources and careful planning. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to set it up:

Step 1: Setting up the game board

Place the game board in the middle of the table. Make sure that there is enough space around the board for all the players. The board represents the Great Western Trail with several locations and hazards marked.

Step 2: Placing the buildings

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board, workers, and buildings. The buildings should be placed on the designated spaces on the game board.

Step 3: Preparing the supply board

Each player places their workers on the designated spaces on the supply board. This board is used to track the resources and currency of each player.

Step 4: Preparing the cattle deck

Shuffle the cattle cards and deal a hand to each player. The number of cards each player receives depends on the number of players in the game.

Step 5: Setting up the job market

Place the job market tiles face up next to the game board. These tiles represent the various jobs available for hire during the game.

Step 6: Setting up the train station

Place the train station tiles face up next to the game board. These tiles represent the train stations that players can build during the game.

Step 7: Placing the objective cards

Shuffle the objective cards and place them face down next to the game board. These cards provide players with additional goals to accomplish during the game.

Step 8: Initial resources

Each player starts with a set amount of money, as well as a specific number of cattle cards, workers, and objective cards. The exact number depends on the number of players in the game.

Step 9: Random elements

Some elements of the game are randomized to ensure a unique gameplay experience each time. These include the order of the cattle cards, the distribution of the jobs in the job market, and the order of the objective cards.

Now, you are all set to begin playing the Great Western Trail!

Game flow Round and round we go

Great Western Trail is a deep strategic board game that offers players a variety of actions and strategies. The game is played over various rounds with no set number, continuing until the job market deck is exhausted. A game of Great Western Trail is broken into turns rather than traditional rounds or phases, with each turn consisting of a series of actions.

On a player’s turn, they will move their cattleman token along the trail. The number of spaces they can move is determined by their player board, but they cannot move backwards and must stop at a location to take an action. The actions they can perform depend on the location they stop at and how developed that location is.

Players can perform the following actions at each stage:

Location Action: Whenever a player stops their cattleman at a location, they can perform the action associated with that location. This could be constructing a new building, hiring a new worker, or trading with the natives.
Building Action: If a player stops at a building they own, they can perform the action associated with that building. Actions include gaining resources, advancing on the railway track, or removing hazards from the board.
City Action: If a player ends their movement in a city, they can deliver a cow to the city by playing a cow card from their hand. The city must be connected to their network of railway stations, and the player must pay a delivery cost in coins.

Once a player has completed their turn, play passes to the next player clockwise. This cycle continues until the job market deck is depleted, which triggers the end of the game. The player with the most victory points, earned through actions such as delivering cattle, constructing buildings, and advancing along the railway track, is declared the winner.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In the board game ‘Great Western Trail’, players take on the roles of ranchers herding their cattle from Texas to Kansas City. During a player’s turn, a series of actions and strategic choices can be made, which ultimately affect the gameplay. Here’s a thorough breakdown:

Moving Your Cattleman

Each player’s turn starts with moving their cattleman. The number of steps a cattleman can move is determined by the player’s player board.

Building: If a player lands on a building, they may perform the action associated with that building.
Hazard: If a player passes a hazard on the trail, they must pay the cost indicated on the hazard. If a player stops on a space with a hazard, no cost is paid, but the player also cannot perform any action.
Indian Trading Post: If a player lands on an Indian Trading Post, they may trade with the Indians by giving up a cow of a certain breed in exchange for a tepee tile.
Kansas City: If a player reaches Kansas City, they must sell their herd and deliver it to a city. The player earns money based on the diversity of their herd.

Performing Actions

After a player has moved their cattleman, they may perform an action. The possible actions are dependent on where the cattleman landed.

Building Actions: These actions allow a player to build structures, hire staff, or move their train.
Indian Trading Post Actions: These actions allow a player to trade with the Indians or purchase crafts.
Kansas City Actions: These actions involve selling the player’s herd and delivering it to a city.

Strategic Choices

Throughout the game, players are faced with numerous strategic decisions that can affect the outcome of the game. These include:

Choosing the Right Path: The path a player chooses to take their cattleman on can greatly affect their gameplay. Some paths may have more hazards, but they might also have more opportunities for beneficial actions.
Building and Buying Strategically: The buildings a player chooses to build and the staff they choose to hire can greatly influence their strategy. Different buildings provide different benefits, and different staff members have different skills.
Managing Herd Diversity: The more diverse a player’s herd is, the more money they can earn when they reach Kansas City. Therefore, managing herd diversity is a crucial part of the game’s strategy.

Each player’s turn ends after they have completed their action. The game continues in clockwise order until a player’s cattleman reaches Kansas City, at which point the end game is triggered.

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

Great Western Trail is a strategic board game where players take the role of ranchers in the Old West, driving their cattle from Texas to Kansas City. The game ends when players exhaust the job marker supply, and victory is determined by who accumulates the most victory points during the game.

Game End:

The game of Great Western Trail concludes when the supply of job markers runs out. This happens when a player places a ‘job marker’ on the game board. After this occurs, all players, including the one who placed the triggering marker, get one final turn. At the end of these final turns, the game ends and players proceed to final scoring.

Victory Conditions:

The player with the most victory points at the end of the game is declared the winner. Victory points (VPs) are gained through a variety of means throughout the game, and additional points are awarded at the end of the game for certain achievements.

Cattle Cards: The value of unique cattle cards in a player’s deck.
Buildings and Upgrades: The VP value of buildings a player has constructed and any building upgrades.
Station Master Tiles: The VP value on Station Master tiles a player has collected.
Objective Cards: Completed objective cards score their indicated VP value.
City Tokens: The VP value on City Tokens a player has collected.

Final Scoring Actions:

At the end of the game, players must perform the following actions to calculate their final score:

Count the total VP value of all unique cattle cards in their deck.
Add the total VP value of all buildings they have constructed and any upgrades.
Add the total VP value on any Station Master tiles they have collected.
Add the VP value on any completed objective cards.
Add the VP value on any City Tokens they have collected.
The player with the highest total score is the winner.

In the case of a tie, the player with the most money is the winner. If there is still a tie, the player who is furthest back on the score track wins.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In Great Western Trail, players accumulate points in various ways. The points are tallied at the end of the game, and the player with the highest score wins. Here is a detailed breakdown of the scoring system:

1. Herd Value:

At the end of the game, players score points based on the total value of their individual herds. Each different type of cattle card in a player’s deck has a certain point value. The point values are summed to give the total score.

2. Station Master Tiles:

Each Station Master tile that a player has collected throughout the game has a specific point value. The point values of all Station Master tiles are added together to contribute to the total score.

3. Objective Cards:

Objective cards can provide a significant boost to a player’s score. If a player has successfully met the conditions of an Objective card, they score the points indicated on the card. However, if they have not met the conditions, they lose the points indicated.

4. Building Bonuses:

Players can earn points by placing buildings on the game board. The number of points a building provides is indicated on the building tile. Additionally, there are bonus points awarded for buildings that are adjacent to certain other buildings.

5. Certificates and Coins:

Every 5 coins a player has at the end of the game is worth 1 victory point. Additionally, players also get points for their unused certificates, with every 2 unused certificates worth 1 point.

After all points have been calculated, the player with the highest overall score is declared the winner of the game. In the event of a tie, the following tie-breaking rules apply:

1. Most Coins:

The player with the most coins wins the tie. If there is still a tie, then the next rule is applied.

2. Fewest Buildings:

The player who has placed the fewest buildings on the game board wins the tie. If there is still a tie, all tied players share the victory.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

In the board game ‘Great Western Trail’, there are a few special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that are important to remember:

1. Player Order:

Contrary to some other games, the player order is not fixed. It depends on the position of the cattlemen on the trail. The player whose cattleman is furthest back (i.e., closest to the start) always takes his turn next. If more than one cattleman is on the same space, the one on top acts next.

2. Buildings:

When you place a building on the game board, you can only place it on a space matching its color. Also, it’s important to note that you can’t place a building on a space that is already occupied by another building. Additionally, if a player passes a building owned by another player, they must pay a toll to that player.

3. Cattle Cards:

Each player begins with an identical deck of 14 cattle cards. When a player decides to sell their cattle at the end of the trail, they can only sell one of each type of cattle. So, if a player has duplicate cattle cards in their hand, they are only able to sell one of them.

4. Hazards:

When a player moves past a hazard, they must pay the cost indicated on the hazard. The player pays this cost to the general supply, not to a specific player. However, if a player owns a hazard, they do not have to pay the cost when passing this hazard.

5. Kansas City:

When a player’s cattleman reaches Kansas City, they must sell their cattle. The revenue earned from selling cattle is based on the types of cattle cards in the player’s hand, with duplicate cattle not counting towards the total.

6. Objective Cards:

At the start of the game, each player receives 2 objective cards. These cards provide goals that players can work towards throughout the game. It’s important to remember that these are optional and do not need to be completed to finish the game. However, if a player does not complete an objective by the end of the game, they will lose points.

7. End of the Game:

The game ends once the job market cannot be refilled after a player visits Kansas City. The current round is finished so that all players get the same number of turns. After this, final scoring takes place. The player with the most victory points wins the game.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Great Western Trail is a complex and strategic board game that requires careful planning and strategy. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, and common mistakes to avoid to optimize your gameplay.

Advanced Strategies:

Focus on Your Cows: Always remember that the main source of income in this game is delivering cows. Try to upgrade your herd as quickly as possible and do not forget to use auxiliary actions to cycle through your deck.
Utilize the Buildings: Make use of your buildings as they can provide a lot of benefits and can also slow down your opponents.
Manage Your Workers: It’s essential to manage your workers effectively. Hiring the right workers at the right time can help you optimize your actions.

Beginner Tips:

Understand the Game: Spend time familiarizing yourself with the rules and mechanics of the game. The more you understand, the better your strategy will be.
Start Slow: Do not rush to get to Kansas City. Take your time and make stops along the way to make the most of your journey.
Plan Ahead: Always plan your moves ahead. This will help you make the most of your actions and can give you an edge over your opponents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Neglecting the Cows: One common mistake is neglecting your cow herd. Remember, the main objective is to deliver the most valuable herd of cows to Kansas City.
Ignoring the Train: Another mistake players often make is ignoring the train. Moving your train can provide you with a lot of benefits, so don’t forget about it.
Forgetting about Objectives: It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about your objectives. Always keep them in mind and plan your moves accordingly.

Optimizing Gameplay:

Effective Hand Management: It’s essential to manage your hand effectively to ensure you have the best possible herd to deliver to Kansas City.
Efficient Use of Actions: Make the most out of your actions. Each action you take should bring you closer to your objectives.
Strategic Planning: A well-thought-out strategy can give you a significant advantage. Always plan your moves ahead and be ready to adapt your strategy when necessary.