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Fields of Arle box image

Fields of Arle

Fields of Arle is a two-player worker placement game set in 19th century Germany. Players cultivate their farms, raise livestock, and trade goods to earn points over nine rounds.

8.03 / 10
BGG Rating
13+
age
2014
published year
1 - 2
player count
1 - 2
Recommended player count
60 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is Fields of Arle?

3.85 / 5

Fields of Arle has a moderate complexity with many options for actions and building combinations, but the rulebook is well-organized and the game flow is intuitive.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Fields of Arle?

1.5 / 5

Fields of Arle has minimal luck as players have control over their actions and there are no random elements such as dice rolls or card draws.

How much Player Interaction does Fields of Arle offer?

2 / 5

Fields of Arle has limited player interaction as players focus on building their own farms and trading with a shared market. There are no direct ways to affect opponents' actions.

How much Replayability does Fields of Arle offer?

4 / 5

Fields of Arle offers high replayability due to the large number of possible actions and combinations of buildings, animals, and goods. The game also includes variable setup and solo play options.

Why you should play Fields of Arle

Deep Strategy

Fields of Arle is a highly strategic game that requires careful planning and decision-making. Players must manage their resources and make strategic choices to build their farm and expand their territory.

Solo Play

Fields of Arle can be played solo, making it a great option for those who prefer to play alone or who have difficulty finding other players.

Replayability

With over 200 cards and a modular board, Fields of Arle offers endless replayability. Each game is different, and players can experiment with different strategies and approaches.

Immersive Theme

The game is set in 19th century Germany and features beautiful artwork and components that transport players to a different time and place.

Cooperative Play

Fields of Arle can be played cooperatively, allowing players to work together to build their farm and achieve their goals.

Unique Mechanics

The game features unique mechanics such as the use of peat as a resource and the ability to build custom buildings to enhance your farm.

Award-Winning

Fields of Arle has received numerous awards and nominations, including the 2015 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game award.

Why you should avoid Fields of Arle

Lengthy Gameplay

Fields of Arle is a long game that can take several hours to play, which may not be suitable for players who prefer shorter games or have limited time.

Complexity

The game has a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for new players. It may not be the best choice for those who prefer simpler games or who are new to board gaming.

Limited Player Interaction

Fields of Arle is a game that is primarily focused on building and managing your own farm, with limited player interaction. This may not be appealing to players who prefer more social or interactive games.

Expensive

The game is relatively expensive compared to other board games, which may not be suitable for players on a budget.

Theme

The game's theme may not be appealing to all players, as it is focused on farming in 19th century Germany. Players who are not interested in this theme may not enjoy the game as much as others.

Where to find the Rules of Fields of Arle

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

Beginner Strategies for Fields of Arle

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

Focus on building up your farm

The main goal of the game is to build up your farm and produce goods. Make sure to use your actions to build buildings, clear land, and cultivate fields.

Plan ahead

Fields of Arle is a game that requires planning ahead. Make sure to think about what actions you want to take in future rounds and how they will help you achieve your goals.

Use your workers wisely

You only have a limited number of workers, so make sure to use them wisely. Try to maximize their efficiency by using them on actions that will give you the most benefit.

Pay attention to the seasons

The game is divided into four seasons, and each season has different actions and opportunities. Make sure to take advantage of the actions available in each season to maximize your production.

Don't neglect trading

Trading is an important part of the game, as it allows you to acquire goods that you may not be able to produce on your own. Make sure to keep an eye on the available trade goods and take advantage of trading opportunities when they arise.

Keep an eye on your opponents

While Fields of Arle is primarily a solitaire game, there is still competition between players for resources and actions. Make sure to keep an eye on what your opponents are doing and try to block them from taking actions that will benefit them.

Advanced Strategies for Fields of Arle

Experiment with different strategies

After playing the game a few times, you may have a good understanding of the basic mechanics. Now is the time to experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you. For example, you could focus on producing a specific type of good, or try to build up your farm as quickly as possible.

Take advantage of the special actions

Each player has a set of special actions that they can take during the game. Make sure to use these actions to your advantage, as they can give you a significant boost in production or allow you to take actions that other players can't.

Plan for the long term

Fields of Arle is a game that rewards long-term planning. Make sure to think about how your actions in one season will affect your production in future seasons. For example, if you're planning to produce a lot of flax, make sure to clear enough land and build enough buildings to support that production.

Don't be afraid to take risks

Sometimes, taking a risk can pay off big time in Fields of Arle. For example, you could take a chance on a trade that has a low probability of success, but a high payoff if it works out. Just make sure to weigh the risks and rewards before making any big decisions.

Keep an eye on the end game

The game ends after 9 rounds, so make sure to keep an eye on the end game and plan accordingly. For example, if you're behind in points, you may want to focus on taking actions that will give you more points in the final rounds. If you're ahead, you may want to focus on protecting your lead and preventing other players from catching up.

Mechanics

Set Collection
Worker Placement
Solo / Solitaire Game
Turn Order: Progressive
Turn Order: Claim Action
Highest-Lowest Scoring
Income
Automatic Resource Growth

Categories

Farming
Economic
Industry / Manufacturing