Helvetia cover
2011BGG rank #2,217

Helvetia

by Matthias Cramer · KOSMOS

Browsing is free. Ask BoardGameBrain about this game when rules coverage is ready.

Players2–4
Time90m
ComplexityMedium
Age12+

About the game

What is Helvetia?

The cover and name might have you thinking trivia game, but Matthias Cramer has something else in mind for you in Helvetia. You and your fellow players run small but busy mountain villages in the Swiss Alps where you work, build and trade. But life isn't only about work. Your village baker longs for a partner, and the farmer's son has his eye on the dashing woodcutter in the neighboring village. So let the wedding bells ring and marry off that farmer's son in the village of another player, thereby earning you additional income. And surely your village baker will find a woman from a neighboring village to move in with him. Before you know it, their offspring will be new citizens in your village. Your goal in Helvetia is to build new homes, bring culture to your village, and sell essential goods at market. Whatever strategy you choose, this village life won't be boring – especially in the villages that grow and thrive!

How it plays

Mechanics

Action PointsArea Majority / InfluenceTile PlacementWorker Placement

On the shelf

Categories

City Building

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Helvetia?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?