Santa’s Workshop (Second Edition) (2023) Board Game

Santa’s Workshop (Second Edition) is a board game released in 2023, designed by Andrew Bosley, Jacqui Davis, Matt Paquette, and Co. It is a fantasy-themed game that revolves around the concept of Santa’s workshop and the magical world of Christmas. Players take on the role of different types of workers in the workshop, collecting resources and completing tasks to help Santa prepare for the holiday season.

Game Components of Santa’s Workshop

Collectible Box: With numbering and gold foil for the First Christmas Edition.

Game Board: Double-sided.

Elf Figures: 15 figures, 3 per color.

Score Markers: 5 markers, one per color.

Player Mats: 5 double-sided mats.

Cards: 45 toy cards, 18 reindeer cards, and 27 advanced reindeer cards for the advanced game.

Tokens: 72 material tokens, 24 assembly tokens, 25 ornament tokens, 50 coal pieces.

Figures and Models: Santa’s sleigh model, Santa figure, 3 Santa’s Helpers figures for 2-3 players.

Upgrade and Training Tokens: 30 each for the advanced game.

Rulebook: Separate rulebooks for standard and advanced game modes.

How To Setup Santa’s Workshop

To set up the game, players need to place the double-sided game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of elf figures and a player mat. The toy cards, reindeer cards, and material tokens are shuffled and placed in their respective areas on the board. The Christmas tree and Santa’s sleigh are also set up on the board. Players receive their starting resources and the first player is determined using the first player marker.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their elf figures on various locations to perform tasks.

Different Worker Types: Each elf has unique abilities.

Set Collection: Players collect resources and cards to complete tasks.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most Christmas cookies by completing tasks such as building toys, tending to reindeer, and decorating the Christmas tree. The team of elves with the most cookies wins a sunny vacation with Santa.

Player Experience

**Santa’s Workshop (Second Edition)** is designed to be a family-friendly game with two game modes: a standard mode for families and an advanced mode for players aged 10 and up. The game is full of festive theme and vibrant artwork by Andrew Bosley and Jacqui Davis, making it a charming addition to any family’s Christmas traditions. Players will enjoy the bustling activity of preparing for Christmas, from toy assembly to reindeer care, all while competing to earn Santa’s favor.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 6 and up.

Dual Game Modes: Standard and advanced modes cater to different ages and skill levels.

High-Quality Components: Improved art and components compared to the original version.

Engaging Theme: Festive and thematic gameplay that captures the spirit of Christmas.

Replayability: Variety in worker placement and set collection ensures multiple playthroughs are unique.

Cons

Limited Availability: Some editions and components might be in pre-order or out of stock.

Complexity for Younger Players: The advanced mode may be challenging for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Santa’s Workshop

**Santa’s Workshop (Second Edition)** is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a festive and engaging game to enjoy during the holiday season. The dual game modes make it accessible to a wide range of ages and skill levels. For those who appreciate worker placement and set collection mechanics, this game offers a fun and thematic experience. It is an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for those who love Christmas-themed games.

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