The Doge Ship

About this board game

The Doge Ship is a competitive board game for 2–5 players, with approximately 90 minutes of play time. Set in Venice five centuries ago, it casts players as skilled shipbuilders summoned by the Doge to cooperate on the construction of a new state ship.

Each player uses five actions per round, competing with the other shipbuilders for the available opportunities. Players can work on parts of the Doge Ship to earn victory points, build Gondolas to make money, or construct Barriers to protect the shipyard and the city.

The demands of the Doge and the cost of actions may change at the beginning of each round, so managing resources is essential. Materials always cost money, making financial planning a fundamental part of the construction effort.

• Build ship parts to gain victory points.
• Construct Gondolas to earn money.
• Raise Barriers to protect Venice from High Water effects and save your shipyard.
• Adapt to changing conditions as action costs and the Doge’s demands shift.

The game ends when the Doge Ship is complete. Although the players are called to cooperate on the project, only one will emerge as the winner and gain the favour of the Doge.

In The Doge Ship, every round presents a balancing act between advancing the grand vessel, generating income, and protecting the work already completed. The ship’s construction may unite the builders’ purpose, but competition determines who receives the ultimate recognition.