Ocean Trader (1988) – Board Game Guys

Ocean Trader

Ocean Trader is a board game published by Clipper Games Ltd in 1988 that simulates global trade via clipper ship in the 19th century. The game is about building up a trading company, with the only way of transport available being by ship. Players use their ships to pick up goods from different ports and sell them in other ports to make a profit. The game has 100 harbors with 32 different goods.

Why is Ocean Trader Popular?

Ocean Trader is a game that attempts to recreate all of the risks and rewards of the 19th century world shipping trade. The game is significant because it provides a unique experience of trading goods via clipper ship in the 19th century. The game is popular among board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategy games that involve trading and resource management.

Game Components of Ocean Trader

– Game board
– 6 player pieces
– 6 ship cards
– 6 player mats
– 100 harbor tiles
– 32 good tiles
– 1 harbor bag
– 1 good bag
– 1 rulebook

Game Setup of Ocean Trader

– Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player piece, ship card, and player mat.
– The harbor tiles and good tiles are placed in their respective bags.
– The harbor bag is shuffled and 10 harbor tiles are placed face up on the board.
– The good bag is shuffled and 5 good tiles are placed face up on each harbor tile.
– Each player places their player piece on a harbor tile of their choice.
– Each player takes 10 coins.

Gameplay Mechanics of Ocean Trader

– Players take turns in clockwise order.
– On a player’s turn, they can move their ship to an adjacent harbor tile and buy or sell goods.
– Players can only carry a limited amount of goods on their ship.
– Players can upgrade their ship to carry more goods or move faster.
– Players can also invest in a harbor to increase the number of goods available or the price of goods.
– The game ends when a player reaches a predetermined amount of money.

Game Objective of Ocean Trader

The objective of the game is to build up a trading company and make as much money as possible by buying and selling goods.

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.