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Age of Steam

Age of Steam is a competitive economic strategy game where players build rail networks, deliver goods, and compete for contracts to earn the most money. The game features a modular board and limited resources, making each game unique and challenging.

7.85 / 10
BGG Rating
13+
age
2002
published year
1 - 6
player count
3 - 6
Recommended player count
120 mins
play time

How Complex is Age of Steam?

3.87 / 5

Age of Steam has a steep learning curve and requires careful planning and strategy. It is recommended for experienced gamers.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Age of Steam?

1.5 / 5

Luck plays a minimal role in Age of Steam as the game is heavily focused on strategy and planning. Random events are rare and can be mitigated through careful planning.

How much Player Interaction does Age of Steam offer?

3.5 / 5

Age of Steam offers moderate player interaction as players compete for contracts and resources. However, there is limited direct conflict as players cannot block each other's routes.

How much Replayability does Age of Steam offer?

4 / 5

Age of Steam offers high replayability due to the modular board, variable player powers, and different maps available. Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for players to explore.

Why you should play Age of Steam

Strategic Gameplay

Age of Steam is a highly strategic game that requires players to plan their moves carefully and think ahead. The game offers a wide range of options for players to explore, allowing them to develop their own unique strategies.

Challenging Gameplay

The game is challenging and requires players to make tough decisions throughout the game. This makes it a great choice for players who enjoy a good challenge.

Replayability

Age of Steam offers a high level of replayability, as each game is different from the last. The game features a modular board and a variety of different maps, ensuring that players will never get bored.

Social Interaction

The game is highly interactive, with players competing against each other for resources and territory. This makes it a great choice for players who enjoy social interaction and competition.

Historical Theme

Age of Steam is set in the 19th century, during the golden age of steam locomotives. The game features historically accurate artwork and components, making it a great choice for history buffs.

Cooperative Play

Age of Steam can also be played cooperatively, with players working together to build a successful railroad network. This makes it a great choice for players who prefer cooperative gameplay.

Expansion Options

The game has a number of expansion options available, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. This makes it a great choice for players who enjoy expanding and customizing their games.

Why you should avoid Age of Steam

Complexity

Age of Steam is a complex game that can be difficult to learn and understand, especially for new players. This can be a turn-off for players who prefer simpler games.

Lengthy Gameplay

The game can take a long time to play, especially with a full complement of players. This can be a drawback for players who prefer shorter games.

Competitive Gameplay

While the competitive gameplay can be a draw for some players, it may not be appealing to others who prefer cooperative gameplay or games with less direct conflict.

Limited Theme

While the historical theme may be a draw for some players, it may not be as appealing to those who prefer games with more fantastical or imaginative themes.

Heavy Resource Management

The game requires players to manage a variety of resources, including money, goods, and track tiles. This can be overwhelming for some players who prefer games with simpler resource management mechanics.

Where to find the Rules of Age of Steam

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Age of Steam files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Age of Steam

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Age of Steam.

Plan your routes carefully

The game is all about building and connecting routes to deliver goods. Plan your routes carefully to ensure that you can deliver goods efficiently and earn maximum points.

Balance your income and expenses

You need to balance your income and expenses to stay in the game. Don't overspend on building tracks and don't neglect your income. Keep a balance between the two to stay competitive.

Prioritize delivering goods

The main objective of the game is to deliver goods to cities. Prioritize delivering goods to earn maximum points. Don't waste too much time building tracks without delivering goods.

Use loans wisely

Loans can be helpful in the game, but they also come with a cost. Use loans wisely and only when necessary. Don't take too many loans as they can hurt your final score.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Keep an eye on your opponents' moves and try to anticipate their next move. This will help you plan your own moves and stay ahead in the game.

Don't neglect urbanization

Urbanization is an important aspect of the game. Don't neglect it as it can help you earn extra points and improve your income.

Be flexible

Be flexible in your approach and adapt to changing situations. Don't stick to a fixed strategy as the game can be unpredictable. Be open to changing your strategy based on the situation.

I hope these strategies help you in your game of Age of Steam. Good luck and have fun!

Advanced Strategies for Age of Steam

Focus on building a network

As you become more familiar with the game, focus on building a network of tracks that can efficiently deliver goods to multiple cities. This will help you earn more points and stay ahead of your opponents.

Use special abilities

Each player has a special ability that can be used to gain an advantage in the game. Use your special ability wisely to gain an edge over your opponents.

Plan for the endgame

The endgame is crucial in Age of Steam. Plan your moves carefully to ensure that you have enough resources to deliver goods in the final rounds and earn maximum points.

Block your opponents

Blocking your opponents' routes can be an effective strategy in the game. If you see that your opponent is planning to deliver goods to a particular city, try to block their route to that city to slow them down.

Use the auction wisely

The auction is an important aspect of the game. Use it wisely to gain an advantage over your opponents. Don't overspend on auctions as it can hurt your final score.

Don't neglect the goods demand

Keep an eye on the goods demand and try to deliver goods that are in high demand. This will help you earn more points and stay ahead of your opponents.

Be aggressive

As you become more familiar with the game, be more aggressive in your approach. Take calculated risks and try to gain an edge over your opponents. Don't be afraid to take bold moves if it can help you win the game.

I hope these advanced strategies help you in your game of Age of Steam. Good luck and have fun!

Mechanics

Tile Placement
Pick-up and Deliver
Auction/Bidding
Hexagon Grid
Dice Rolling
Network and Route Building
Player Elimination
Solo / Solitaire Game
Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game
Turn Order: Auction
Victory Points as a Resource
Connections
Catch the Leader
Loans
Selection Order Bid

Categories

Transportation
Economic
Trains
Post-Napoleonic

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