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Architects of the West Kingdom box image

Architects of the West Kingdom

Architects of the West Kingdom is a worker placement game where players are medieval architects competing to impress the king by constructing buildings, hiring apprentices, and managing resources while avoiding corruption.

7.73 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2018
published year
1 - 5
player count
1 - 5
Recommended player count
60 - 80 mins
play time

How Complex is Architects of the West Kingdom?

2.75 / 5

Architects of the West Kingdom has moderate complexity, with a few unique mechanics to learn, but is easy to understand after a few rounds of play.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Architects of the West Kingdom?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a minor role in the game as players have control over their actions, but there is some randomness in the draw of cards and placement of opponents' workers.

How much Player Interaction does Architects of the West Kingdom offer?

3.5 / 5

Players can block each other's worker placements and capture each other's apprentices, but there is limited direct conflict. The focus is more on individual player optimization.

How much Replayability does Architects of the West Kingdom offer?

4 / 5

The game offers a variety of strategies and paths to victory, with different combinations of buildings and apprentices to hire, making each game unique and replayable.

Why you should play Architects of the West Kingdom

Unique gameplay mechanics

Architects of the West Kingdom has a unique gameplay mechanic where players can capture their opponents' workers and use them for their own benefit. This adds a layer of strategy and player interaction that is not found in many other board games.

Beautiful artwork and components

The game features stunning artwork and high-quality components, including detailed player boards, wooden meeples, and metal coins.

Multiple paths to victory

There are several ways to score points in Architects of the West Kingdom, including building structures, collecting resources, and capturing opponents' workers. This allows players to pursue different strategies and keeps the game fresh and engaging.

Quick setup and playtime

The game is easy to set up and can be played in under an hour, making it a great choice for a quick game night or as a filler game between longer sessions.

Replayability

With multiple paths to victory and a randomized setup, Architects of the West Kingdom offers a high level of replayability. No two games will be exactly the same, ensuring that players will want to come back to the game again and again.

Why you should avoid Architects of the West Kingdom

Worker capture mechanic may not be for everyone

While the worker capture mechanic adds a unique layer of strategy to the game, it may not be enjoyable for all players. Some may find it too aggressive or feel that it disrupts their plans too much.

Limited player interaction

While the worker capture mechanic does provide some player interaction, the game is largely played in isolation. Players are focused on building their own structures and collecting resources, which may not appeal to those who prefer more direct player interaction.

Lack of thematic immersion

While the game has a medieval theme, some players may find that the gameplay mechanics do not fully immerse them in the theme. The game is more focused on strategy and resource management than on creating a thematic experience.

Overall, Architects of the West Kingdom is a well-designed game with unique mechanics and high replayability. However, it may not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer more direct player interaction or a stronger thematic experience.

Where to find the Rules of Architects of the West Kingdom

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

Beginner Strategies for Architects of the West Kingdom

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Architects of the West Kingdom.

Focus on building your workforce early on

In the beginning of the game, it's important to build up your workforce so that you can take more actions on your turn. This will allow you to be more efficient and get more done each round.

Don't neglect the virtue track

The virtue track is an important aspect of the game that can give you significant bonuses if you move up it. Try to balance your actions between gaining resources and increasing your virtue.

Keep an eye on your opponents' actions

Pay attention to what your opponents are doing and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you to block them from taking actions that would benefit them and give you an advantage.

Use your buildings strategically

Each building has a unique ability that can be used to your advantage. Try to use them in combination with your other actions to maximize their effectiveness.

Don't forget about the cathedral

The cathedral is a powerful building that can give you a lot of points at the end of the game. Try to build it early on and contribute to it as much as possible throughout the game.

Overall, Architects of the West Kingdom is a game that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking. By focusing on building your workforce, balancing your actions between gaining resources and increasing your virtue, keeping an eye on your opponents, using your buildings strategically, and contributing to the cathedral, you'll be well on your way to victory!

Advanced Strategies for Architects of the West Kingdom

Prioritize the black market

The black market is a powerful tool that can give you access to rare resources and allow you to take extra actions. Try to prioritize getting the black market card early on in the game and use it to your advantage.

Use the tax collector to your advantage

The tax collector can be a powerful tool for gaining resources, especially if you have a lot of workers. Try to use the tax collector strategically to gain the resources you need to complete your buildings and contribute to the cathedral.

Focus on completing buildings

Completing buildings is a key way to earn points in Architects of the West Kingdom. Try to focus on completing buildings that will give you the most points and use your workers and resources efficiently to do so.

Take advantage of the apprentice

The apprentice is a powerful tool that can allow you to take extra actions or gain extra resources. Try to use the apprentice strategically to gain an advantage over your opponents.

Be flexible

Architects of the West Kingdom is a game that requires you to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Try to be open to changing your strategy if necessary and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Overall, Architects of the West Kingdom is a game that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking, but also requires you to be flexible and adaptable. By prioritizing the black market, using the tax collector strategically, focusing on completing buildings, taking advantage of the apprentice, and being flexible, you'll be well on your way to victory!

Mechanics

Variable Player Powers
Open Drafting
Worker Placement
Solo / Solitaire Game
Contracts
Increase Value of Unchosen Resources
Tags

Categories

City Building
Medieval