Ora et Labora (2011) Board Game

Ora et Labora, which translates to “Pray and Work” in Latin, is a board game designed by Uwe Rosenberg and released in in 2011. The game is set in medieval Europe, where players take on the roles of medieval monks building and expanding their monasteries while producing goods and trading with neighboring communities.

Game Components of Ora et Labora

Modular game board

Player boards

Resource tokens (wood, clay, grain, etc.)

Building tiles

Worker discs

Coins

Scoreboard

Rulebook

How To Setup Ora et Labora

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player receives a player board and a set of worker discs.

Shuffle the building tiles and place them face down on the designated spaces on the game board.

Place the resource tokens and coins within reach of all players.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ora et Labora, players take turns placing their worker discs on various action spaces on the game board to gather resources, build structures, and expand their monasteries. The objective of the game is to accumulate the most victory points by the end of the game, which is achieved through efficient resource management and strategic building placement.

Player Experience

Pros:

Deep strategy with multiple paths to victory

Engaging worker placement mechanics

Beautiful artwork and components

Replayability with different building combinations

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Can be overwhelming with the number of options available

Long playtime, especially with higher player counts

Personal Thoughts on Ora et Labora

Ora et Labora is a complex and immersive game that rewards careful planning and resource management. The game’s theme of medieval monastery-building is unique and refreshing, offering a fresh perspective on the typical city-building genre. The build quality of the components is top-notch, with beautiful artwork and durable materials. However, the game’s price point may be a deterrent for some players, especially considering the long playtime and learning curve. Overall, Ora et Labora is worth your time if you enjoy deep strategy games and are willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies. It is recommended for fans of Uwe Rosenberg’s other games or anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience.

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