There’s something that feels automatically familiar about Kingdomino game, the tile laying board game. Perhaps it’s the illustrative artwork that reminds you of a children’s picture book, or perhaps it’s the reference to dominos, a game that has transcended through generations. Either way, it’s an easy game to get off the shelf and out on the table. Our Kingdomino board game review looks at why that is.
About Kingdomino Board Game
Kingdomino is a tile laying board game, suitable for 2-4 players acting as lords seeking to expand and connect to their existing kingdoms by exploring and acquiring new lands. Its recommended age is from 8+, but families have regularly said that younger children can easily play with some rules being explained.
It is published by Blue Orange Games designed by Bruno Cathala, a French game designer who is responsible for other hugely popular hobby board games, such as 7 Wonders Duel, Cyclades, and Splendor Duel. The game is immensely popular, and was awarded the coveted Spiel Des Jahres award in 2017, a German award for board games that has become the Oscars of the board game world. So the question is, should you play Kingdomino?
How to Play Kingdomino: Connecting Tiles of Matching Terrain Type
The rules for how to play Kingdomino are straightforward, and even easier if you’ve ever played dominos before – because much like dominoes, you’re connecting tiles with one another, only instead of using the same number of dots to complete the pair, you’re using images of terrain – forest, sea, pasture, etc.
In this game, players place domino-like tiles, expanding their kingdom. For each new domino selected, players need to ensure that at least one of the sides connects to a matching terrain type already in their existing kingdom. Since points are counted based on contiguous areas of a matching terrain type, building out vast areas of each terrain in your kingdom is the main objective of the game. It’s always satisfying, in a game, to build something as you play, and that’s certainly the case here. It’s a light but engaging puzzle to expand as effectively as you can, without knowing what dominoes will come next, all while keeping in the bounds of a 5×5 grid.
In order to win Kingdomino, you must score the most points, and you do this by not only creating groups of tiles but by prioritizing tiles with crown symbols on them. At the end of the game, the number of connecting tiles of the same type will be multiplied by the number of crowns in that region. If you have no crowns, your tiles are worth no points at all, even if you’ve amassed a vast number of connecting tiles. One Crown means you get one point for every tile of the same landscape type linked to it. Two Crowns means you get two tiles, and so on. Because you have to balance the incentive of amassing more crowns and getting the tiles with the terrain you need, it’s always an interesting decision when selecting new tiles to add to your board.
The crowns really make a difference to your score in Kingdomino
The tile selection process is the thing that sets Kingdomino apart from other tile laying games – and, in my opinion, is the real reason this game is an enduring classic.
Each round four tiles are laid out, with the lowest number tile (usually the simpler tile) being first, and the higher number tile (usually containing things like extra crowns) being last. Players take turns picking a new domino, by placing their meeple on it. The order of the meeples matters, because that will be the turn order for the next round. This is an excellent mechanic, because it means that players that take the better tiles with the valuable crown symbols, will go later in the turn order in the next round. This balances out the luck in the game and gives everyone an opportunity to get the best tiles.
It also introduces an interesting decision space, where I might decide to take a less desirable tile, knowing that I’ll get first dibs on the tiles that are revealed in the following round. But anytime I risk it and take a one of the better tiles, I need to consider that I’ll be last next round, and that I may miss out on my perfect tile for my existing kingdom.
The game ends when each player has taken a tile from the final set, hopefully completing their 5×5 grid. Players then tally up all the lands and crowns and calculate their scores.
It’s a very simple ruleset that will be intuitive as soon as you start playing, but it packs quite a bit of strategy for a family game. Do you prioritize crowns early on, in order to ensure your multipliers are in place, even if the terrain isn’t quite ideal? Or do you only grab tiles matching terrain type already in your existing kingdom, in the hope a crown piece of the right type comes along? Do you work to sabotage the plans of your fellow players, or focus on securing better tiles for yourself? Every turn presents interesting decisions, but the game still remains light, satisfying, and fun.
https://youtu.be/smbwBPmP4Ms?si=yubvVAYUXmGqLAOz
Play Kingdomino 2 Player
Depending on what you are looking for in a game, Kingdomino might just play best at 2 players. You get to select two tiles instead of one each round. In this case, the game ends once players have created a larger 7×7 grid, leading to bigger scoring opportunities, fewer dead tiles, and more satisfying moments. The game has a much more open feel as a result, but also puts a bit more pressure on understanding what your opponent might want, since you only have to compete with one other person for the things you need.
Why play Kingdomino?
Kingdomino is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game that has quickly become a favorite among board game enthusiasts. The game’s simple yet strategic gameplay, where players take on the role of lords seeking new lands to expand their existing kingdom by drafting and placing tiles, makes it accessible to players of all ages. The goal is to create the most prosperous kingdom by strategically selecting and arranging various types of terrain tiles, such as wheat fields, lakes, and mountains. The appeal of Kingdomino lies not only in its strategic depth but also in the vibrant artwork and the tactile pleasure of placing the chunky tiles to expand one’s kingdom. The thematic appeal of exploring and discovering new lands adds to the game’s charm, inviting players into a world of strategic expansion and competition.
Kingdomino is great at all player counts
Kingdomino doesn’t lose any of its magic at any player count, but it manages to have a different feel depending on whether you place at 2, 3, or 4 players. 2 feels more open since you get to do more, but is more directly competitive. Three players is interesting because one tile is removed from the game after each selection process, and it can be tough deciding which tile you are going to take, knowing that another one you may have wanted will be removed from the game.
Four players feels tighter, because you are all competing for the same tiles and you’re more likely to be in direct competition for specific terrains and tiles and all the lands. Differences in the turn order can feel quite extreme. But in other ways it can also feel a bit lighter, because you aren’t in direct competition with one other player. Unlike in a two player game, there’s not much opportunity to specifically draft the tiles that other people need need in a four player game, because you only get one tile a round, and need to advance your own game.
Kingdomino: A Family Board Game for All Ages
Kingdomino is an excellent choice for a family game night. But by channeling dominoes, a game that has been popular through the generations, it means that the entire family come to the table with a feeling of familiarity, and there’s not a lot to learn in order to get playing. Add to that the fact that, outside of reading the rules, the game is icon and image based, meaning anyone not able to or comfortable with reading text, doesn’t have to – it means everyone from the youngest to the oldest will have a good time playing and no one needs to be intimidated.
Kingdomino is easy to learn for the whole family!
Given its family friendly nature, Kingdomino featured on our list of best games for ten year olds – check out what else made the list!
Kingdomino Strategy – Maximizing Valuable Crown Symbols for All Players
From hoping that perfect peice comes up, to grabbing desirable tiles, forcing players to pick a domino that doesn’t work well for them, every time you play you’ll see something new. It’s deceptively simple, but has a good amount of strategy. So much so, that there have been huge Kingdomino tournaments, with the European Kingdomino Tournament once offering 3,000 euros to its winners.
The tiles you choose directly influence your next round’s strategy, and acquiring better tiles can force you to pick later, impacting your game plan. Scoring points hinges not just on the land you accumulate but also on securing tiles with valuable crown symbols for the matching terrain type – both crucial when tallying up your final score.
Kingdomino Expansions and Versions
Kingdomino as a board game is so popular, that there have been a number of expansions and versions, so there’s a lot more to explore. The base game stands perfectly fine on its own, but if can’t get enough Kingdomino, there are three particularly notable extras to consider.
Age of Giants Expansion
The Age of Giants expansion for Kingdomino revitalizes the award-winning family game by introducing formidable giants, elevating the strategy and unpredictability of gameplay. Now, players must navigate the threat of giants that can obliterate their meticulously crafted kingdoms unless they strategically utilize the new giant’s footsteps tiles to redirect these towering threats towards their rivals. This expansion increases the maximum player count and enriches the game with additional strategic layers and player interaction, ensuring each session is uniquely challenging and engaging. Specifically, it introduces a new drafting mechanism where players choose tiles that can either advance their own kingdoms or summon giants to disrupt their opponents, adding a compelling tactical element to the game.
Dragomino
Tailored specifically for younger players, Dragomino transforms the strategic fun of building kingdoms into an exciting adventure of discovering dragon eggs. Just like its predecessor, it combines simple yet engaging gameplay with a touch of strategy, but with easier rules and colorful dragon-themed pieces that captivate the imagination of children.
Players explore a magical landscape, matching pieces to hatch dragon eggs and gathering cute dragonlings for points. While Kingdomino challenges players to expand their territories, Dragomino focuses on the joy of exploration and discovery, making it an ideal introduction to the world of board games for the little ones. It’s a perfect game for younger kids, and a great option to start their journey into strategic thinking, with a solid theme of dragons and adventures, carrying the essence of Kingdomino into a realm that’s accessible and utterly enchanting for children.
We’re fans and highly recommend Dragomino in our list of best games for 5 year olds.
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Kingdomino Origins
Kingdomino Origins is a popular standalone version of Kingdomino
Despite being called Origins – due to its prehistoric theme – it’s actually a combination of game rules and ideas that came after the original – a few of which were already recommended variants, from the community.
The primary reason to look into this version is that it includes a few variants in the box that are targeted at different skill levels. Makes it easy to set up a more accessible game when playing with kids or new players, or to scale up the complexity for more experienced players looking for more variety.
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Kingdomino Duel
A roll and write version of Kingdomino, Kingdomino Duel, adds in a little extra magic
Kingdomino Duel is the roll and write version of the game, designed specifically for two players, with dice rolls and wizard battling. The fundamentals of matching up your dominos remain, and it’s just as quick to play, but the valuable crown symbols are on dice and you are filling in a paper map, rather than tile placement. Definitely lacks the table presence of the original and is a little bit more difficult for new players to learn, but it provides a very short but highly tactical game in a small box.
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Kingdomino – Queendomino
The Queen of Queendomino surveys same landscape as the Kingdomino kingdom.
Queendomino is a slightly more complex version or the original, adding in the likes of buildings, tax, and even a dragon. Arguably, it’s more of a “gamers game”, with some fiddly rules, so we’re less likely to recommend it for the younger audience, or even a gateway game – however, it’s fun in its own right with the right audience, and a good option as a next step for kids or adults that are ready for more complexity.
The real advantage of picking this one up, in our opinion, is the option to play “the royal wedding” variant – which uses all the tiles from both Kingdomino and Queendomino to make a larger grid with lots of interesting decisions! Something you have to try if you love Kingdomino.
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Where to buy Kingdomino Board Game?
Kingdomino is exceedingly popular and family friendly, which means you’ll probably find a copy anywhere that sells board games. It’s worth checking your local Barnes and Noble, and Target, if you don’t have a friendly local game store nearby. Alternatively, you can pick up Kingdomino on Amazon, using out link below.
Because of its quick, easy game play, and intuitive ruleset, this is one that could find a place in any board game collection. If you ever play games as a family or introduce new people to the hobby, this is a must have.
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Looking for more games perfect for the family? Dexterity board games are a great place to start. Check out our list of the best dexterity board games for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Kingdomino suitable for young children?
A: Absolutely! Kingdomino is designed to be family-friendly and is suitable for children aged 8 and up. The game’s reliance on visuals over text for gameplay makes it accessible for younger players as well.
Q: Can Kingdomino be played with two players?
A: Yes, Kingdomino can be enjoyed by 2 to 4 players. The game dynamics change slightly with fewer players, often leading to a more strategic game.
Q: How long does a game of Kingdomino take?
A: A typical game of Kingdomino lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The game ends when each player has completed a 5×5 grid, making it an excellent choice for a quick game night session.
Q: Are the expansions necessary to enjoy Kingdomino?
A: No, the base game of Kingdomino is a complete and enjoyable experience on its own. The expansions and variants like Kingdomino Origins, Duel, and Queendomino offer different themes and gameplay twists for those looking for variety.
Q: Can Kingdomino be considered educational?
A: Yes, Kingdomino can help develop strategic thinking, spatial reasoning, and planning skills. It’s a fun way to challenge young minds while providing entertainment. Understanding the number of connecting tiles is crucial for scoring more points, and winning the game, which encourages players to think ahead and strategize. It also requires math skills when calculating the score.
Q: Where can I learn how to play Kingdomino?
A: The game comes with a rulebook that is easy to understand. Additionally, numerous video tutorials online can guide new players through the rules and gameplay.