Lords of Waterdeep cover
2012BGG rank #107

Lords of Waterdeep

by Peter Lee, Rodney Thompson · Wizards of the Coast

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Players2–5
Time60–120m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age12+

About the game

What is Lords of Waterdeep?

Waterdeep, the City of Splendors – the most resplendent jewel in the Forgotten Realms, and a den of political intrigue and shady back-alley dealings. In Lords of Waterdeep, a strategy board game for 2-5 players, you take on the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, secret rulers of the city. Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city. Expand the city by purchasing new buildings that open up new actions on the board, and hinder – or help – the other lords by playing intrigue cards to enact your carefully laid plans. During the course of play, you may gain points or resources by completing quests, constructing buildings, playing intrigue cards, or having other players use the buildings you have constructed. After eight rounds, the player with the most points wins.

How it plays

Mechanics

ContractsHidden RolesIncrease Value of Unchosen ResourcesOwnershipSet CollectionTake ThatTurn Order: Claim ActionWorker Placement

On the shelf

Categories

City BuildingFantasy

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

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