Not to be confused with the ride at Disneyland
If you love board games with a mix of strategy, area control, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek humour, Small World is a must-play. It’s one of those games that feels different every time you play, thanks to its brilliant combination of unique races and special powers. Designed by Philippe Keyaerts and published by Days of Wonder, Small World is a fantastic blend of light-hearted competition and deep tactical play.
Key Game Information
- Designer: Philippe Keyaerts
- Publisher: Days of Wonder
- Players: 2-5
- Playtime: 40-80 minutes
- Game Type: Area control, strategy, territory expansion
- Complexity: Medium-light
- Best For: Players who enjoy strategic decision-making with a dash of luck
So, How Do You Play Small World?
At its core, Small World is all about expanding your empire, knowing when to retreat, and making the most of your chosen race’s abilities before they inevitably decline.
Setting Up
Each player starts by selecting a race and a special power combination from those available. These combinations are different every game, ensuring replayability. You’ll get a set number of race tokens based on the combination, and from there, it’s time to conquer.
Conquering Territories
- Players take turns placing their race tokens on the board, expanding their control over different regions.
- Each region requires a certain number of tokens to conquer, depending on whether it’s occupied, fortified, or empty.
- Some races get bonuses for specific terrain types, making placement key.
Decline and Regroup
Here’s where things get interesting—your civilization won’t last forever. Once your race is overstretched or no longer effective, you can choose to put it into decline. You’ll then pick a brand-new race and power combo to start fresh while your old race remains on the board in a limited capacity.
Scoring
Each round, players score points based on the territories they control. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Simple, right? Well, not quite—because there’s always a battle for control, and knowing when to push forward or pull back is the key to victory.
What’s in the Box?
Small World has excellent components that make gameplay smooth and enjoyable:
- Game Board – Double-sided for different player counts.
- Race Tokens – Representing your chosen civilization.
- Race & Power Banners – Randomly paired to create unique combinations.
- Coins – Used for scoring.
- Special Markers – For abilities, obstacles, and other game elements.
The production quality is top-notch, as expected from Days of Wonder. The artwork is vibrant, fun, and full of personality, making even the most aggressive attacks feel light-hearted.
Playing at Different Player Counts
One of the game’s biggest strengths is how well it scales.
- 2 Players: Surprisingly strategic and intense; every move counts.
- 3 Players: A nice balance between strategy and competition.
- 4-5 Players: Chaotic, interactive, and full of shifting alliances.
The board size adjusts based on the number of players, which keeps things tight and ensures there’s always conflict.
Expansions and Variants
If you enjoy Small World, you’ll be happy to know there are several expansions that add even more variety:
- Small World: Underground – A standalone sequel with new races and mechanics.
- Cursed!, Grand Dames, Be Not Afraid! – Mini-expansions adding new race and power combinations.
- Small World: Realms – A modular board that lets you customise maps.
Each expansion brings fresh mechanics and new ways to play, keeping the game exciting.
Digital Versions – Play Online
Can’t get a physical game going? No worries—Small World is available digitally!
- Board Game Arena – Great for playing with friends online.
- Steam, iOS, and Android – High-quality digital versions with solo and multiplayer modes.
Final Thoughts
Small World is a brilliant game that combines strategy, luck, and humour. It’s easy to learn, but every game feels unique thanks to the ever-changing race and power combinations. Whether you’re playing in person or online, it’s a fantastic choice for board game enthusiasts.