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Lords of Waterdeep

Lords of Waterdeep is a worker placement game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Players take on the roles of secret rulers of the city, recruiting adventurers to complete quests and gain victory points.

7.73 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2012
published year
2 - 5
player count
2 - 5
Recommended player count
60 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is Lords of Waterdeep?

2.45 / 5

Lords of Waterdeep is easy to learn and play, with straightforward mechanics and clear rules. It is accessible to both new and experienced gamers.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Lords of Waterdeep?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a minor role in Lords of Waterdeep, as players have control over their own actions and can mitigate the impact of luck through strategic planning. However, there is still some randomness in the draw of quest cards and intrigue cards.

How much Player Interaction does Lords of Waterdeep offer?

3.5 / 5

Lords of Waterdeep offers moderate player interaction through the use of intrigue cards and the competition for resources and quests. However, players do not directly interact with each other's workers or influence each other's actions.

How much Replayability does Lords of Waterdeep offer?

4 / 5

Lords of Waterdeep offers high replayability due to the randomization of quest and intrigue cards, variable player powers, and different strategies that can be employed in each game.

Why you should play Lords of Waterdeep

Strategic gameplay

Lords of Waterdeep is a strategy game that requires players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully. Each decision made can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Easy to learn

Despite its strategic depth, Lords of Waterdeep is relatively easy to learn. The game mechanics are straightforward, and the rulebook is well-written and easy to understand.

High replayability

With multiple factions, quests, and intrigue cards, Lords of Waterdeep offers a high level of replayability. Each game can feel different from the last, keeping players engaged and interested.

Engaging theme

Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Lords of Waterdeep has a rich and engaging theme that will appeal to fans of the franchise. The game's artwork and components are also top-notch, adding to the immersive experience.

Social interaction

Lords of Waterdeep is a game that encourages social interaction. Players must work together and compete against each other to achieve their goals, making for a fun and engaging experience.

Suitable for all skill levels

Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or a newcomer to the hobby, Lords of Waterdeep is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The game's mechanics are easy to understand, but the strategic depth will keep even experienced players engaged.

Expansion options

Lords of Waterdeep has several expansion options that can add even more depth and variety to the game. These expansions introduce new factions, quests, and intrigue cards, giving players even more options to explore.

Why you should avoid Lords of Waterdeep

Limited player interaction

While Lords of Waterdeep does encourage social interaction, some players may find that the game lacks direct player-to-player interaction. The game is more focused on individual player strategies rather than direct competition.

Luck-based elements

While the game is primarily strategic, there are some luck-based elements, such as the draw of intrigue cards and the availability of certain quests. This can lead to some frustration for players who prefer games with less luck involved.

Theme may not appeal to everyone

While the Dungeons & Dragons theme is engaging for fans of the franchise, it may not be as appealing to those who are not familiar with the universe. The game's theme may also not be suitable for younger players.

Limited replayability without expansions

While the base game of Lords of Waterdeep offers a high level of replayability, some players may find that the game becomes repetitive after multiple plays without the addition of expansions.

Requires a minimum of 2 players

Lords of Waterdeep requires a minimum of 2 players to play, which may not be suitable for those who prefer solo gaming experiences or have difficulty finding other players to join in.

Where to find the Rules of Lords of Waterdeep

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

Beginner Strategies for Lords of Waterdeep

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

Focus on completing quests

Quests are the primary way to earn victory points in the game, so it's important to prioritize completing them. Look for quests that match the types of resources you have available, and try to complete quests that offer bonus victory points.

Build your own buildings

Building your own buildings can give you a significant advantage in the game. They can provide you with extra resources, allow you to complete quests more easily, or give you bonus victory points. Try to build buildings that complement your strategy and the types of quests you're completing.

Use your agents wisely

Your agents are a limited resource, so it's important to use them strategically. Try to place your agents in locations that will give you the most benefit, such as locations that offer the resources you need or locations that will allow you to complete quests.

Pay attention to the Intrigue cards

Intrigue cards can have a big impact on the game, so it's important to pay attention to them. Use them strategically to disrupt your opponents' plans or to gain an advantage for yourself.

Don't neglect the mandatory quests

Mandatory quests can be a nuisance, but they're also an opportunity. Completing them can give you bonus victory points, and they can also help you to complete other quests more easily by providing you with the resources you need.

Keep an eye on your opponents

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing and try to anticipate their moves. If you see that they're focusing on completing a certain type of quest, for example, you may want to try to complete quests of a different type to avoid competing with them directly.

Don't forget about the endgame

The game ends when all the rounds have been played, so it's important to keep an eye on the endgame. Try to position yourself to score as many victory points as possible in the final rounds, and don't be afraid to take risks if it means securing a victory.

Advanced Strategies for Lords of Waterdeep

Focus on the long game

As you become more familiar with the game, you'll start to see how different strategies can pay off in the long run. Try to think ahead and plan your moves accordingly, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains.

Use your buildings strategically

Your buildings can be a powerful tool, but they can also be a liability if you don't use them strategically. Try to build buildings that complement your overall strategy and that will give you a consistent advantage throughout the game.

Pay attention to the quests in play

The quests that are available in each game can have a big impact on the strategy you choose to pursue. Pay attention to the types of quests that are available and try to focus on completing quests that will give you the most points.

Be flexible

While it's important to have a plan, it's also important to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. If you see an opportunity to score points or disrupt your opponents' plans, don't be afraid to change course.

Use your Intrigue cards wisely

Intrigue cards can be a powerful tool, but they can also backfire if you use them at the wrong time. Try to use your Intrigue cards strategically to gain an advantage or disrupt your opponents' plans, but be careful not to waste them.

Don't neglect the Harbor

The Harbor is often overlooked by players, but it can be a valuable source of resources and points. Try to use the Harbor to your advantage by completing Harbor quests or by using the Harbor to gain resources that are in short supply.

Keep an eye on your opponents' resources

As you become more experienced with the game, you'll start to see how important it is to keep track of your opponents' resources. If you see that an opponent is low on a particular resource, you may want to try to block them from gaining more of that resource or use it to your advantage.

Mechanics

Set Collection
Worker Placement
Take That
Turn Order: Claim Action
Hidden Roles
Ownership
Contracts
Increase Value of Unchosen Resources

Categories

Fantasy
City Building