A "Lost Cities" board game box by Kosmos for two players, titled "Das Duell," featuring artwork of an explorer with a map and a guide pointing towards ancient ruins.
| | | | | | | |

Lost Cities: The Board Game (2008)

ByMichail

Lost Cities

“Lost Cities” is a popular board game designed by Reiner Knizia, first published in 1999 as a two-player card game.

Why is Lost Cities Popular?

“Lost Cities” is a fast-moving game that combines strategy and skill with a simple mechanic of playing or discarding a single card each turn. The game is part of the Kosmos two-player series and has been re-themed and re-released as “Lost Cities: The Board Game”. The game has a strong theme and is known for its replayability and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Lost Cities: The Board Game

  • Game Board: A two-sided board, one side with five expeditions and the other with six, introduced in newer versions.
  • Cards: 110 cards, including event tiles and expedition cards.
  • Figures: 20 wooden figures (four adventurers and one researcher per player).
  • Victory Point Chips: 64 chips to track scores.
  • Artifact Chips: 27 chips for collecting artifacts.
  • Rule Booklet**.

    How To Setup Lost Cities: The Board Game

    To set up the game, place the board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of five figures (four adventurers and one researcher) and places them at the start of each path. Shuffle the deck of cards and deal a starting hand to each player. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players. Each path on the board has an initial value of -20 points, which changes as players progress.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Play: Players take turns playing or discarding a card, moving one of their figures along a path corresponding to the card’s color.
  • Increasing Order: Cards must be played in increasing order, but not sequentially.
  • Artifact Collection: Players can collect artifacts along the paths, which earn additional points.
  • Researcher: The researcher figure is more valuable, doubling the points for the path it is on.
  • Event Tiles: Introduce random events that can aid or hinder players.
  • Objective: The goal is to move figures as far along the paths as possible, maximizing positive points while minimizing negative ones.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Lost Cities: The Board Game** is a strategic and tense experience. Each turn involves a simple yet critical decision: whether to play or discard a card. The game’s pace is quick, with a high level of indirect interaction between players, as they compete for resources and try to outmaneuver each other. The transparent scoring system, using the board to track progress, adds to the tension and strategic depth.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Simple decisions that require careful planning.
  • Family-Friendly: Accessible for young players and families.
  • Scalability: Supports 2-4 players, making it versatile for different groups.
  • Awards: Won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres in 2008 (as “Keltis”).
  • Visual Accessibility: Easy to see and understand the game state.

    Cons

  • Luck of the Draw: The game can be influenced significantly by the cards drawn.
  • Emotional Accessibility: Potential for frustration due to negative scores and scoring disparities.
  • Complex Conditional Rules: Some rules, like the movement of explorers and artifact interaction, can be conditionally complex.

    Personal Thoughts on Lost Cities: The Board Game

    **Lost Cities: The Board Game** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with simple yet deep mechanics. It is particularly suited for families and new gamers due to its accessible rules and engaging gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for players who are easily frustrated by elements of luck and conditional rules. Overall, it offers a engaging and challenging experience that balances strategy and luck, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl