Endeavor: Age of Sail (2018) Board Game

Endeavor: Age of Sail is a board game that was released in 2018 by Burnt Island Games. It is a strategy game that takes players back to the Age of Sail, a period in history known for its exploration and nautical adventures. The game allows players to take on the role of a colonial power seeking to expand their influence and dominance over the world.

Game Components of Endeavor: Age of Sail

Game board featuring different geographical regions (Europe, North America, Asia, etc.)

Player boards with 4 attribute tracks (industry, culture, wealth, influence)

Worker discs

Building tiles

Tokens for various actions (ship, occupy, attack, draw)

Governor cards

Exploit cards for variable setup and additional strategies

Region-specific card decks

How To Setup Endeavor: Age of Sail

To set up the game, players first place the main game board in the center of the table. Each player receives a personal player board and a set of worker discs. The game board is populated with tokens corresponding to the different attribute tracks. Building tiles are shuffled and each player starts with a basic building matching their initial industry level. Exploit cards, which introduce variable rules and strategies, are selected and placed according to the game’s setup instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players occupy cities and control chains between them on the main game board.

Tableau Building: Players build buildings on their personal boards, which become worker placement locations.

Action Selection: Actions include Draw, Ship, Occupy, and Attack, each affecting the player’s presence and attribute tracks.

Attribute Tracks: Players advance on industry, culture, wealth, and influence tracks to enhance their abilities and score points.

Exploits: Variable game elements that favor certain regions and play styles.

Game Objective: Collect the most glory points by improving attribute tracks, controlling regions, and utilizing exploit bonuses.

Player Experience

Endeavor: Age of Sail offers a dynamic and strategic experience with increasing complexity over its 7 rounds. Players start with limited actions and gradually build up their engine, making more significant moves as the game progresses. The game encourages tactical decisions and adaptability, as players must manage their attribute tracks, worker placement, and region control. The game’s design ensures that every decision matters, and while early mistakes are not fatal, good engine building and strategic use of bonuses are rewarded.

Pros

Tight Gameplay: The game’s 7-round limit ensures every decision is meaningful without allowing for too much recovery from early mistakes.

Variable Setup: Exploits introduce new strategies and replayability.

High Production Quality: Great art and component quality enhance the gaming experience.

Strategic Depth: Multiple paths to victory and complex strategic decisions.

Engaging Theme: Set in the Age of Sail, the game captures the essence of exploration and empire building.

Cons

Information Overload: In larger player counts, tracking other players’ progress can be challenging.

Repetitive Actions: Some might find the repetitive nature of certain actions boring.

Setup Time: The initial setup can be time-consuming.

Analytical Paralysis: Late-game decisions can become overly complex and time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Endeavor: Age of Sail

Endeavor: Age of Sail is ideal for players looking for a medium-weight Euro strategy game with deep strategic layers. It is perfect for those who enjoy area control, tableau building, and action selection mechanics. The game is suited for players who appreciate variable setup and multiple paths to victory, making it a great choice for experienced gamers and those transitioning from lighter Euro games like Ticket to Ride. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with simpler rules or those who are averse to complex, analytical gameplay.

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.