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Le Havre box image

Le Havre

Le Havre is a resource management game where players collect and use resources to build buildings, ships, and trade goods in order to accumulate wealth and victory points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

7.85 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2008
published year
1 - 5
player count
1 - 4
Recommended player count
30 - 150 mins
play time

How Complex is Le Havre?

3.72 / 5

Le Havre has a moderate complexity due to the number of options available and the need to manage resources efficiently, but the rules are straightforward.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Le Havre?

1.5 / 5

Luck has a minimal impact on gameplay as players have control over their actions and can plan ahead. However, the order of the cards and buildings can affect strategy.

How much Player Interaction does Le Havre offer?

2.5 / 5

Le Havre has limited player interaction as players can only block each other from using buildings and resources. However, there is competition for limited resources and buildings.

How much Replayability does Le Havre offer?

4 / 5

Le Havre has a high replayability due to the random setup of buildings and cards, different strategies, and the ability to play with different player counts.

Why you should play Le Havre

Strategic gameplay

Le Havre is a game that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. Players must manage their resources and make smart choices in order to build their businesses and accumulate wealth.

Unique mechanics

The game features a unique resource management system where players must balance their use of food, wood, clay, iron, and other resources in order to build their businesses and ships.

Multiple paths to victory

There are multiple ways to win the game, including building a successful shipping business, accumulating wealth through buildings and resources, and investing in the development of the city of Le Havre itself.

Replayability

With a variety of different buildings and resources available, as well as the ability to play with different strategies, Le Havre offers a high level of replayability.

Engaging gameplay

The game is engaging and immersive, with players constantly making decisions and interacting with each other in order to build their businesses and succeed.

Beautiful artwork

The game features beautiful artwork and high-quality components, making it a pleasure to play and look at.

Suitable for all skill levels

While the game offers a high level of strategic depth, it is also accessible to players of all skill levels, making it a great choice for both casual and serious gamers.

Why you should avoid Le Havre

Lengthy gameplay

Le Havre is a relatively long game, with an average playtime of around 2-3 hours. This may not be suitable for players who prefer shorter, more fast-paced games.

Complex rules

The game has a relatively complex set of rules, which may be overwhelming for new players or those who prefer simpler games.

Limited player interaction

While players do interact with each other through the use of shared resources and buildings, there is relatively limited direct player interaction in the game. This may not be suitable for players who prefer games with a high level of player interaction.

Heavy resource management

The game requires players to carefully manage their resources in order to build their businesses and ships. This may not be suitable for players who prefer games with less emphasis on resource management.

High learning curve

Due to the complex rules and strategic depth of the game, there is a relatively high learning curve for new players. This may not be suitable for players who prefer games that are easy to pick up and play.

Where to find the Rules of Le Havre

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

Beginner Strategies for Le Havre

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

Focus on building a strong economy

In Le Havre, you need to generate income to buy resources and buildings. Try to build a diversified economy by investing in different types of buildings and resources. This will help you generate more income and give you more options in the game.

Plan ahead

Le Havre is a game that rewards planning ahead. Try to anticipate what resources you will need in the future and plan your moves accordingly. This will help you avoid getting stuck without the resources you need.

Use the shipping routes

The shipping routes are a great way to get resources that are not available in your city. Try to use them as much as possible to get the resources you need to build your economy.

Keep an eye on your opponents

In Le Havre, your opponents can block your access to resources and buildings. Keep an eye on what they are doing and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you avoid getting blocked and give you more options in the game.

Don't neglect food

Food is an important resource in Le Havre. Make sure you have enough food to feed your workers and avoid losing points. Try to build buildings that generate food or buy it from the market if necessary.

Aim for the big buildings

The big buildings in Le Havre are expensive but they can generate a lot of points. Try to aim for them if you can afford them and if they fit your strategy.

Don't forget about the end game

The end game in Le Havre is important. Make sure you have a plan for the final rounds and try to maximize your points. Keep an eye on the end game bonuses and try to score as many points as possible.

Advanced Strategies for Le Havre

Focus on upgrading your buildings

Upgrading your buildings can give you more efficient ways to generate resources and income. Try to upgrade your buildings as soon as possible to get the most out of them.

Use the special buildings

The special buildings in Le Havre can give you unique advantages and bonuses. Try to use them as much as possible to get an edge over your opponents.

Keep an eye on the market

The market in Le Havre can be volatile and prices can fluctuate quickly. Keep an eye on the market and try to buy resources when they are cheap and sell them when they are expensive.

Use the loan wisely

Taking a loan in Le Havre can be a good way to get the resources you need quickly. However, you need to pay interest on the loan, so use it wisely and try to pay it back as soon as possible.

Plan for the end game bonuses

The end game bonuses in Le Havre can be a great way to score extra points. Plan ahead and try to maximize your chances of getting the bonuses that fit your strategy.

Don't forget about the shipping routes

The shipping routes in Le Havre can be a great way to get resources that are not available in your city. Don't neglect them and try to use them as much as possible to get an edge over your opponents.

Keep an eye on your opponents' strategies

In Le Havre, your opponents' strategies can affect your own strategy. Keep an eye on what they are doing and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you avoid getting blocked and give you more options in the game.

Mechanics

Worker Placement
Solo / Solitaire Game
End Game Bonuses
Automatic Resource Growth
Loans
Ownership
Increase Value of Unchosen Resources

Categories

Nautical
Economic
City Building
Industry / Manufacturing