Pax Hispanica (2024) Board Game

Pax Hispanica is a board game that transports players back to the Age of Exploration in the 16th century, where they take on the roles of powerful Spanish nobles vying for control of the seas. With elements of economic strategy, naval combat, and negotiation, players must navigate the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean to establish their dominance. Designed by Anne Isaksson and featuring stunning artwork from Ion Game Design and Sierra Madre Games, Pax Hispanica offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Pax Hispanica

Cardboard 2 Piece Box (297x297x70mm)

Rulebook

Cloth Map (Deluxe Upgrade)

Philosophy Board

Rosetta Stone Board

6 Playmats

114 Cards (100 Market, 10 Haven, 4 Battle)

Wooden Meeples

Wooden Barques

Wooden Galleon

Wooden Chests

Wooden Disks for Colonies (Deluxe Upgrade)

Silkscreen Wooden Bibles for Missionaries (Deluxe Upgrade)

Plastic Crystal Relics (Deluxe Upgrade)

Wooden Dove Marker (Deluxe Upgrade)

Metal Dubloons (Deluxe Upgrade)

Wooden Dice

Punchboard including: Cathedrals Standee, Figures Standee, Forts, Timeline + Timeline indicator.

How To Setup Pax Hispanica

Setting up Pax Hispanica involves several steps. First, lay out the cloth map and the various boards such as the Philosophy Board and Rosetta Stone Board. Each player chooses their career path and sets up their playmat. The market cards are shuffled and laid out, and each player receives their starting resources. The game also includes setting up the wooden components like meeples, barques, and galleons. For detailed instructions, refer to the rulebook included in the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Movement

Auction/Bidding

Push Your Luck

Rock-Paper-Scissors

Secret Unit Deployment.

Game Objective

Players aim to achieve victory through one of four career choices: becoming a great courtier, emancipator, or pirate of the Caribbean. The game involves buying cards from the market, building and developing colonies, missions, and fleets. Players must engage in naval battles, outsmart opponents, and advance on the Philosophy Board to shape the world in their image and claim victory.

Player Experience

In Pax Hispanica, players immerse themselves in the tumultuous 17th century Caribbean, navigating the complexities of the Spanish Main. The game offers a rich web of strategies, from transporting and plundering valuable goods to engaging in intricate naval battles. Players must balance their actions between open battles and covert treachery, making strategic choices that impact their career and ultimate victory.

Pros

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Offers different victory conditions and strategies based on the player’s chosen career path.

Rich Strategy: Combines various mechanics like area movement, auctions, and secret deployments.

Historical Theme: Provides a compelling and immersive historical setting.

High Replayability: Multiple career choices and random market cards ensure each game is unique.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.

Long Game Length: Games can last between 60-150 minutes.

Steep Learning Curve: May be challenging for new players due to the complexity of the game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Pax Hispanica

Pax Hispanica is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy games with deep historical themes. The game’s asymmetrical gameplay and multiple career paths make it highly replayable, offering something new with each playthrough. However, its complexity and long game length may make it less accessible to casual gamers or those new to the hobby.

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.