Edit Game
Orléans box image

Orléans

Orléans is a strategy game where players must recruit followers, gather resources, and trade goods in medieval France. The game uses a unique bag-building mechanic to determine actions and features variable player powers.

8.06 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2014
published year
2 - 5
player count
2 - 4
Recommended player count
90 mins
play time

How Complex is Orléans?

3.03 / 5

Orléans has a moderate complexity, with a unique bag-building mechanic and multiple paths to victory. It may take a few plays to fully understand.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Orléans?

2.5 / 5

Orléans has some luck elements, such as the initial draw of followers and goods, but players can mitigate luck through strategic planning and bag management.

How much Player Interaction does Orléans offer?

2 / 5

Orléans has limited player interaction, with players mainly competing for resources and followers. However, the expansion adds more interaction through events and cooperative elements.

How much Replayability does Orléans offer?

4 / 5

Orléans offers high replayability due to the variable setup, different strategies, and multiple paths to victory. The expansions also add new content and increase replayability.

Why you should play Orléans

Unique gameplay

Orléans offers a unique gameplay experience that combines elements of deck-building, worker placement, and resource management. This makes the game challenging and engaging for players of all skill levels.

Strategic depth

The game requires players to think strategically about how they allocate their resources and build their deck of cards. This makes the game highly replayable, as players can experiment with different strategies and approaches.

Beautiful artwork

Orléans features beautiful artwork that captures the medieval setting of the game. The game board and cards are visually appealing and add to the overall immersive experience.

Solo play

The game includes a solo mode, which is perfect for players who want to enjoy the game on their own. The solo mode is challenging and offers a different experience than playing with others.

Multiple paths to victory

There are multiple ways to win the game, which adds to the replayability and strategic depth. Players can focus on building their trade network, expanding their territory, or developing their technology.

Easy to learn

Despite its strategic depth, Orléans is easy to learn and can be played by players of all skill levels. The game includes a helpful tutorial that guides players through the rules and gameplay.

Expansion options

The game has several expansion options that add new cards, mechanics, and gameplay elements. This makes the game even more challenging and engaging for players who want to explore new strategies and approaches.

Why you should avoid Orléans

Complexity

While Orléans is easy to learn, it can be quite complex to master. Some players may find the game overwhelming or too challenging, especially if they are new to the genre.

Lengthy gameplay

The game can take a while to play, especially with a full complement of players. This may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter, more streamlined games.

Limited player interaction

The game is primarily focused on individual player strategies and resource management, with limited opportunities for direct player interaction. This may not be ideal for players who enjoy more social or competitive gameplay experiences.

Randomness

The game includes a fair amount of randomness, particularly in the initial setup and card draws. This can make the game feel less strategic and more luck-based, which may not appeal to some players.

Theme

While the artwork and setting of the game are beautiful, some players may find the medieval theme and setting less appealing than other genres or themes.

Where to find the Rules of Orléans

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

Beginner Strategies for Orléans

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

Focus on building your bag

In Orléans, your bag of workers is your most important resource. Make sure to focus on building up your bag early on by recruiting new workers and upgrading existing ones. This will give you more options and flexibility in later rounds.

Plan your strategy early

Before the game starts, take a look at the available buildings and plan out your strategy. Decide which buildings you want to focus on and which ones you can ignore. This will help you make more efficient use of your actions and resources.

Balance your resources

Orléans requires you to balance multiple resources, including workers, goods, and money. Make sure to keep an eye on all of these resources and try to maintain a balance between them. Don't overspend on one resource at the expense of others.

Use your actions wisely

Each round, you'll have a limited number of actions to use. Make sure to use them wisely by focusing on your strategy and prioritizing the most important actions. Don't waste actions on things that won't help you achieve your goals.

Pay attention to the endgame

Orléans is a game where the endgame can sneak up on you quickly. Make sure to pay attention to the endgame triggers and plan accordingly. You don't want to be caught off guard and miss out on valuable points.

Overall, Orléans is a game that rewards careful planning and efficient resource management. By focusing on these strategies, you'll be well on your way to victory!

Advanced Strategies for Orléans

Diversify your strategy

After playing Orléans a few times, you may have found a strategy that works well for you. However, it's important to diversify your strategy and try new things. Experiment with different buildings, goods, and workers to keep the game fresh and challenging.

Pay attention to your opponents

In Orléans, your opponents can have a big impact on your strategy. Pay attention to what they're doing and adjust your strategy accordingly. If they're focusing on a particular building or resource, try to find ways to work around them.

Plan for the long term

Orléans is a game where long-term planning is key. Make sure to think ahead and plan for future rounds. Don't just focus on the current round, but also consider how your actions will impact future rounds.

Take risks

Sometimes, taking risks can pay off big in Orléans. Don't be afraid to try something new or take a chance on a risky move. Just make sure to weigh the potential rewards against the potential risks.

Use your workers efficiently

As you become more familiar with Orléans, you'll start to develop a better understanding of how to use your workers efficiently. Make sure to use them in the most effective way possible, whether that's by combining them with other workers or using them to trigger multiple actions at once.

Overall, the key to success in Orléans is to stay flexible and adaptable. Don't get too attached to one strategy or approach, and be willing to adjust your plans as the game unfolds.

Mechanics

Simultaneous Action Selection
Point to Point Movement
Deck, Bag, and Pool Building
Turn Order: Progressive
Tech Trees / Tech Tracks
Events
End Game Bonuses
Variable Set-up
Contracts
Worker Placement, Different Worker Types

Categories

Medieval
Travel
Religious