Caylus 1303 (2019) Board Game

Caylus 1303 is a board game that was released in 2019 as a remake of the classic game Caylus, designed by William Attia. It is a city-building and economic game set in medieval times and published by Space Cowboys. The game features a mix of strategy, resource management, and player interaction, making it a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Caylus 1303

Game board

Worker tokens

Resource tokens

Building tiles

Character cards

Prestige tokens

Provost token

Rulebook

Player aids

How To Setup Caylus 1303

To set up Caylus 1303, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Randomly set out the initial buildings along the road from Guilds Bridge to the Caylus castle gates. Each player receives a set number of worker tokens, which varies depending on the player count. A random selection of Character cards, equal to the player count plus three, is drawn, with each player receiving one card and the remaining cards placed to the right of the castle. The Provost token is also placed on the board as per the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to gain the most Prestige points by constructing buildings, delivering resources to the castle, and utilizing Character abilities effectively.

Worker Placement: Players place their worker tokens on buildings to gather resources, construct new buildings, or deliver resources to the castle.

Resource Management: Manage resources to build and maintain buildings.

Character Abilities: Use Character cards to gain additional benefits, such as extra Prestige, resource bonuses, or special actions.

Provost Mechanic: The Provost token affects the number of workers needed to claim buildings, increasing the requirement when a player passes.

Rounds: The game is played over nine rounds, with each round ending when all players have passed or all possible actions are taken.

Player Experience

Caylus 1303 offers a tight, inter-dependent economy where every game feels different due to the random setup of buildings and Character cards. Players must strategically place their workers to optimize resource collection and building construction. The game is known for its fluid gameplay, simple yet cohesive rules, and high replayability.

Pros

Streamlined Rules: Simplified rules compared to the original Caylus, making it easier to teach and play.

High Replayability: Random setup and multiple strategies ensure each game is unique.

Balanced for New Players: New and inexperienced players can compete more evenly with experienced players.

Visually Appealing: High-quality components and artwork enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Depth vs. Complexity: Some players may find the game less deep compared to the original Caylus due to the streamlined rules.

Length Dependency: While the game is generally faster, the experience can still vary slightly based on player actions.

Personal Thoughts on Caylus 1303

Caylus 1303 is ideal for fans of worker placement games and those looking for a strategic yet accessible game. It is a great introduction to the genre for newcomers while offering enough depth for experienced players. The game’s streamlined design makes it easier to get to the table and enjoy a satisfying, strategic experience. If you’re looking for a game that balances complexity with playability, Caylus 1303 is an excellent choice.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.