Board games come and go, but some stand the test of time. Castles of Burgundy is one of those classics, offering a deeply strategic yet accessible experience that has kept players engaged for years. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player looking for more insight, here’s everything you need to know about this beloved title. It’s time to explore the Castles of Burgundy!
What is Castles of Burgundy
At its heart, Castles of Burgundy is a strategic tile-placement game set in medieval France. Players take on the role of aristocrats developing their estates through careful planning, dice allocation, and tactical decision-making. Designed by the legendary Stefan Feld, it’s a game that balances depth with relatively simple rules.
Key Details:
- Players: 2–4
- Playtime: 30–90 minutes
- Age: 12+
- Designer: Stefan Feld
- Publisher: Ravensburger (Alea)
- Type: Dice placement, tile-laying, economic strategy
How to Play Castles of Burgundy
At first glance, the game can seem a bit overwhelming, but the core mechanics are actually quite intuitive. Each round, players roll two dice and use them to take actions, such as:
- Taking tiles from the central board
- Placing tiles onto their personal estate board
- Selling goods for victory points
- Gaining silverlings (the in-game currency) to purchase special tiles
Each tile type offers unique advantages—some grant immediate bonuses, while others generate ongoing benefits. The goal is to optimise your estate layout while making the most of your dice rolls and available options.
Game Components – What’s in the Box?
Castles of Burgundy comes packed with a variety of pieces:
- Player Boards – Representing each player’s estate
- Main Board – Where available tiles and bonuses are displayed
- Hex Tiles – These represent buildings, ships, mines, animals, and knowledge
- Dice – Two per player, used to determine available actions
- Silverlings – The in-game currency
- Victory Point Tokens – Tracking progress
Despite its relatively simple look, every component plays a crucial role in shaping the game’s strategic depth.
Playing Castles of Burgundy at Different Player Counts
One of Castles of Burgundy’s strengths is its adaptability to different player counts.
- Two players: This feels like the most balanced way to play. The game moves quickly, and strategies become more focused.
- Three players: Adds a bit more competition for tiles, making timing more important.
- Four players: The most interactive version, but also the longest—expect more unpredictability as tiles disappear before you can grab them.
Regardless of player count, the game scales well, keeping downtime low and engagement high.
Expansions and Alternate Versions – Worth It?
Several expansions and reimplementations have been released, adding variety and replayability. Notable ones include:
- The Card Game – A condensed, portable version
- The Dice Game – A streamlined take focusing on dice rolling
- The Anniversary Edition (2019) – Updated graphics and all expansions in one box
- Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition (2023) – A deluxe reprint with upgraded components
For those who already love the base game, expansions can breathe new life into it, though the core experience is strong enough to stand alone.
Going Digital – Castles of Burgundy Online
For those who prefer playing online, Castles of Burgundy is available on Board Game Arena (BGA). This digital version automates scoring and setup, making games faster and more accessible. It also supports asynchronous play, allowing players to take turns at their own pace.
Other digital versions include the Steam and mobile app versions, which offer AI opponents and tutorials—perfect for learning the game.
Final Thoughts
Castles of Burgundy remains a standout in modern board gaming. Its blend of dice-driven strategy, tile-laying mechanics, and ever-changing decisions makes it a must-play. Whether you prefer playing in person or digitally, it’s a game that rewards careful planning and adaptability, offering a rich experience every time you play.