Sigismundus Augustus: Dei gratia rex Poloniae

About this board game

Sigismundus Augustus: Dei gratia rex Poloniae is a strategy board game for 3–5 players, with an approximately 120-minute play time. Set in Rzeczpospolita from 1548 to 1572, it challenges each player to lead a powerful noble family during the reign of Sigismund Augustus.

Your goal is to establish your House’s position within the country and on the international stage, gaining more prestige than your rivals. Influence in the Sejm, authority among neighboring powers, a strong army, and support from important figures can all contribute to your rise.

The game combines worker placement and auction mechanics. During their turns, players send members of their family’s client network to handle tasks ranging from army recruitment and the acquisition of notable personalities and supporters to diplomatic missions abroad.

Auctions come to the forefront during successive Sejms. Through the support of deputies, senators, and the king, players compete to fill important offices and determine whether major laws of the period are passed. Gold can be essential when seeking this support, making political ambition a contest of influence as well as resources.

• Politics: Fight for influence in the Sejm and compete for key offices.
• Diplomacy: Pursue foreign policy and gain powerful allies from other European states.
• Culture: Become a patron of artists who celebrate your family in lasting works.
• Warfare: Use private armies made up of infantry, hussars, and artillery.

Military power can also be used directly against opponents, including abducting their allies, plundering their wealth, or raiding the estate of a hated family. In Sigismundus Augustus, every route toward prominence carries risks and opportunities as noble houses compete for the title of first magnate and a permanent place in history.