Welfen und Staufer (1990) Board Game

Welfen und Staufer is a board game that was released in 1990 and designed by Helmut Eisele, Jr. and Werner Pollak. The game is set in medieval Germany during the era of the Welf and Staufer dynasties, two powerful families vying for control and influence. Players take on the roles of nobles representing either the Welf or Staufer factions, engaging in political maneuvering and military conflicts to secure their family’s position.

Game Components of Welfen und Staufer

Game board depicting medieval Germany

Player tokens and markers

Influence cards

Event cards

Rulebook

No dice are included, which is common for many board games.

How To Setup Welfen und Staufer

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which represents the geopolitical landscape of 12th-century Germany. Each player chooses a noble family (either Welfen or Staufer) and places their tokens and markers accordingly. The influence and event cards are shuffled and distributed to the players. The game is designed for two players, and the setup ensures that both players have equal opportunities to manipulate the nobles and influence the throne.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Political Intrigue

Designer: Not specified in available sources

Play Time: 180 minutes

Number of Players: 2

Age Recommendation: 16+

Difficulty Level: Medium

Objective: The goal is to manipulate other nobles to secure your family’s claim to the throne. Players use influence cards and event cards to sway the nobles and outmaneuver their opponent.

Player Experience

Playing **Welfen und Staufer** is an immersive experience that requires strategic thinking and tactical maneuvering. The game is lengthy, lasting 180 minutes, which allows for deep engagement and complex strategies. Players must carefully manage their influence and resources to gain the upper hand. The game’s medium difficulty level makes it challenging yet rewarding, appealing to players who enjoy intricate gameplay and historical themes.

Pros

Deep Strategic Depth: The game offers complex and engaging gameplay that requires careful planning.

Historical Theme: It provides a unique insight into medieval German politics and the conflict between the Welfen and Staufer families.

High Replayability: With numerous influence and event cards, each game can play out differently.

Cons

Lengthy Playtime: The 180-minute playtime can be daunting for some players.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Complexity: While the medium difficulty level is a pro for some, it may be a barrier for new or casual board game players.

Personal Thoughts on Welfen und Staufer

**Welfen und Staufer** is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic games with a rich historical context. It is particularly suited for those interested in medieval history and political intrigue. While it may not be the best choice for new players due to its complexity and lengthy playtime, experienced players will find it a challenging and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, history, and a bit of backroom politics, **Welfen und Staufer** is definitely worth considering.

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.