Tiny Towns (2019) Board Game

Tiny Towns is a board game designed by Peter McPherson and published by Alderac Entertainment Group in in 2019. It is a strategic city-building game that challenges players to use resource management and spatial planning to create the most efficient and successful town. The game has received positive reviews for its clever mechanics and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Tiny Towns

Player boards (4×4 town grids)

Building cards (each with unique patterns and scoring conditions)

Monument cards (providing special abilities or scoring opportunities)

Resource cubes (representing Wood, Wheat, Brick, Stone, and Glass)

Wooden building components

Monument tokens

Master Builder token

Scorepad

Resource cards (for variant gameplay)

How To Setup Tiny Towns

To set up Tiny Towns, each player receives a personal 4×4 town grid board, a Monument token, and two Monument cards from which they select one to keep. The building cards are shuffled and one card from each category is drawn and placed into play. The Cottage card is always included in every game. Players also receive the matching wooden building components for the selected building cards. The first player is given the Master Builder token, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage resource cubes to build structures.

Pattern Building: Matching resource cubes to building patterns.

Variable Setup: Each game uses a unique set of building cards.

Indirect Player Interaction: Master Builder’s resource choices affect all players.

Game Objective

The goal is to build the most well-planned and prosperous town by placing resource cubes to match building patterns and constructing buildings.

Players aim to maximize their score by strategically placing resources and buildings while minimizing empty spaces on their board.

Player Experience

Playing Tiny Towns is a fun and puzzling experience. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it perfect for both new and experienced gamers. The dynamic of the Master Builder choosing resources adds an element of unpredictability, requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly. As the game progresses, the board becomes increasingly cramped, forcing players to make tough decisions about resource placement and building construction.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable building cards and Monument abilities ensure each game is unique.

Scalability: Supports 1 to 6 players with minimal downtime.

Engaging Strategy: Balances planning and adaptability.

Attractive Components: Colorful and fun artwork and components.

Solo Variant: Includes a solo mode for single-player enjoyment.

Cons

Resource Dependency: Players are at the mercy of the Master Builder’s resource choices, which can sometimes feel frustrating.

Potential for Bad Luck: Games can be influenced significantly by the resources chosen, leading to occasional bad luck.

Complex Scoring: Scoring can be intricate, especially for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Tiny Towns

Tiny Towns is an excellent gateway game for new board game enthusiasts, offering the right balance of simplicity and depth. It is suitable for players aged 10 and above, though younger children may find it challenging. The game shines with 2-4 players, where strategy and control are more manageable. For those who enjoy abstract strategy and puzzle-solving, Tiny Towns is a must-play, providing hours of engaging and challenging gameplay. Its high replayability and variable setup ensure that every game feels fresh and exciting.

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.