Age of Steam cover
2002BGG rank #137

Age of Steam

by John Bohrer, Martin Wallace · Warfrog Games

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Players1–6
Time120m
ComplexityMedium-Heavy
Age13+

About the game

What is Age of Steam?

Steam-belching iron horses roar across the wild plains! Age of Steam relives the era when pioneering U.S. railroads built the tracks that transformed America's economy. The cut-throat action is centered on the industrial powerhouses of the growing nation: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and beyond. Challenges that await you: Can you finance both the most extensive track network and the most powerful locomotives? Which routes will give the best returns on their costs? Can you beat the opposition to the most lucrative shipments? Will you make enough money to pay your aggressive creditors? Competition is brutal, with the game usually going to the player who plans most carefully. Each self-contained phase in the game keeps players constantly involved in making vital decisions and interacting with other players. Age of Steam also allows towns to be developed into cities, ensuring that no two games are exactly the same. See also Age of Steam FAQ

How it plays

Mechanics

Auction / BiddingCatch the LeaderConnectionsDice RollingHexagon GridLoansNetwork and Route BuildingPick-up and DeliverPlayer EliminationScenario / Mission / Campaign GameSelection Order BidSolo / Solitaire GameTile PlacementTurn Order: AuctionVictory Points as a Resource

On the shelf

Categories

EconomicPost-NapoleonicTrainsTransportation

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

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