Lost Cities

About this board game

‘Lost Cities‘ is a captivating board game that transports you to the heart of ancient and mysterious civilizations. It’s an adventurous journey where you lead expeditions to remote corners of the world. Designed by Reiner Knizia, the game masterfully creates a balance between risk, reward, and competition.

The game’s theme revolves around exploration. As a player, you’ll step into the shoes of an intrepid explorer, embarking on expeditions to discover forgotten cities in various locales – from the deepest jungles to the coldest Arctic. The game’s artwork and components further enhance this theme, providing a visually immersive experience.

In terms of its setting, ‘Lost Cities’ operates on a global scale. Each player’s board represents a map of the world, with different paths leading to various lost cities. The game uses cards representing the different expedition routes – mountain, jungle, desert, sea, and Arctic – to create a sense of traveling through different terrains.

The core mechanics of ‘Lost Cities’ are simple yet strategic. Players draw and discard cards to advance their explorers along their chosen routes. The objective is to reach the lost cities while minimizing the cost of the journey. The game incorporates elements of hand management, risk assessment, and strategic planning. Players must decide when to start an expedition, which cards to play, and which cards to hold onto for later use.

What makes ‘Lost Cities’ truly unique is its risk-versus-reward system. Starting an expedition can potentially earn a lot of points, but it also comes with a downside – each expedition starts with a negative point value, representing the cost of setting it up. Therefore, players must carefully strategize to ensure they can make enough progress on an expedition to overcome this initial deficit.

Additionally, the game has a strong competitive element. Players aren’t just racing against the clock – they’re also racing against each other. Every card that a player discards can potentially help their opponents, adding an additional layer of strategy to the game.

Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, ‘Lost Cities’ offers a thrilling and engaging experience. Its beautiful design, strategic depth, and immersive theme make it a standout game that you’ll want to play again and again.