Southern Rails (2015) Board Game

Southern Rails is a board game released in 2015, designed by Todd Sanders and published by Winsome Games. It falls under the categories of Economic, Trains, and Transportation, and is recommended for players aged 14 and above. The game involves hexagon grid, network and route building, and stock holding mechanisms, making it engaging for players who enjoy strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Southern Rails

Game board

Player tokens and trains

Route cards

Destination tickets

Scoring markers

How To Setup Southern Rails

To set up Southern Rails, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting location. Route cards and destination tickets are shuffled and distributed according to the game rules. Scoring markers are also placed on the board to track players’ progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Route building, area control, and hand management.

Game Objective: Players aim to build railroad routes across the southern United States by playing route cards and claiming routes on the map. The goal is to connect cities and fulfill destination tickets to score points.

Player Experience

Playing Southern Rails is a delightful blend of strategy and simplicity. Players need to manage their hand of route cards carefully to build the most efficient and lucrative routes. The game encourages strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it engaging for both casual and experienced gamers.

Pros

Fast-paced gameplay: Games typically last about 30-45 minutes.

Simple to learn: Easy rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Good for groups: Supports 3-5 players, making it a great option for small gatherings.

Cons

Limited complexity: May not appeal to players seeking highly complex games.

Luck factor: Drawing the right route cards is crucial, which can introduce an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Southern Rails

Southern Rails is perfect for those who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual gaming groups looking for a fun, quick game that doesn’t require hours of setup or complex rules. If you’re a fan of rail games but want something less intense than heavier titles, Southern Rails is a great addition to your 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.