Board Games Like Splendor

Wealth and riches are something a lot of us dream of but few come to possess in our lifetime.  Luckily, there exist games we can live vicariously through, such as Splendor, where we can experience what it’s like to be truly wealthy. In this resource management game, players take on the role of gem merchants who develop gem mines, transportation, and shops, in order to accumulate prestige points. This is all done through gems, development cards, and visits by various Nobels.

Among all the games featured, some stand out for their simplicity and ease of learning, making them accessible to new players.

Splendor is a card-based board game that was designed by Marc Andre and illustrated by Pascal Quidault. Published in 2014 by Space Cowboys, it was very positively received upon release and was nominated for the Spiel des Jahres (game of the year) the same year.  It would continue to be nominated for and win various awards throughout the year and would see several expansions released over the years to compliment or expand gameplay. There was even a mobile app of the game published by Asmodee and a re-themed version called “Splendor:Marvel”, focusing on the ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ storyline with Thanos attempting to collect the Infinity Gems.

For those that like the sound of Splendor of who have tried it before and want to try games that offer a similar experience, below are a few games like Splendor that either match the theme, mechanics, or both, to offer something just as enjoyable.

What Makes a Great Game Like Splendor?

A great game like Splendor combines strategic depth, simple rules, and high replayability, making it a favorite among board game enthusiasts. These games often feature unique themes and mechanics that set them apart from other games, providing a fresh and engaging experience each time you play. Here are some key features that make a game like Splendor stand out:

• Engine-Building Mechanics: One of the hallmarks of a great game like Splendor is the ability to build up your abilities and resources over time. This engine-building aspect allows players to develop strategies and see their efforts pay off as the game progresses.

• Card Drafting or Collection Mechanism: Games that involve drafting or collecting cards add an extra layer of strategy. Players must carefully choose which cards to add to their deck or collection, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.

• Simple Rules, Challenging Mastery: The best games are easy to learn but difficult to master. Splendor’s straightforward rules make it accessible to new players, while its strategic depth keeps experienced gamers coming back for more.

• High Replayability: A game with multiple paths to victory and a high degree of variability ensures that no two games are the same. This keeps the game interesting and engaging, even after many plays.

• Unique Theme and Setting: A compelling theme and immersive setting can make a game truly memorable. Whether you’re trading gems, building wonders, or exploring new lands, the theme adds to the overall experience.

These features combine to create a game that is not only fun to play but also offers a rich and rewarding experience every time you sit down to play.

Jaipur: Board Game

By: Space Cowboys     Players: 2     Time: 30 Minutes     Ages: 10+

Vying for an audience with the Maharaja, players take on the role of a trader in the city of Jaipur. Each trader is working their hardest; buying, trading, and selling, to earn two seals of excellence that will grant them an invitation to the Maharaja’s court and label them as the best in the city.

Jaipur is a fast-paced card game for two players only that blends tactics, luck, and risk. Players take turns either taking or selling cards from a central pool that represents a market, often spending a few turns collecting the right cards before making significant moves. The cards represent various goods and wares of different value and selling them off will award players chips. The goal is to acquire the most chips by the end of two out of three games. Any goods sold will grant players some cash, but if several can be sold at once, the player will receive a bonus chip for three, four, or five of a kind. On the flip side, the value of the chips will decrease as the game goes on so selling goods quicker is sometimes the better option.

Jaipur is quick to play through and simple to learn and is excellent for both casual and experienced gamers. Blending a fair mix of luck and tactical gameplay, it rewards those who play strategically just as much as those willing to take risks. Even though it is only for two players, it’s well worth a try.

7 Wonders

By: Repos Production    Players: 2-7     Time: 30 minutes     Ages: 10+

A classic city-building game, 7 Wonders puts players in charge of one of seven great cities of the ancient world. Players choose how they want to develop the city and will need to work on gathering resources, developing commercial routes, affirming military supremacy, and erecting the cities corresponding ‘wonder’.

7 Wonders is a card drafting game played over three ages. In each age, players receive seven cards from that eras deck. They choose to keep one of the cards dealt to them, then pass the remainder to the next player. Everyone plays their card at the same time, after which players take a new card and repeat the process. Each card has a specific effect, some of which resolve immediately, some provide bonuses or upgrades for later in the game, whilst others reduce the cost permanently of certain subsequent cards. It’s up to the player to choose which direction they want to go, but they’ll be able to get a bearing on which cards are available as the round progresses. They’ll need to decide whether what they take is to benefit them or block their opponents from achieving their goals.

7 Wonders is a great strategic game that, like Jaipur, focuses on both strategy and luck, but also adds a degree of predictive reasoning to the mix. Understanding what your opponents will do and adapting to their strategy, as well as having a solid plan in place, will help players secure enough victory points to achieve victory. The game also incorporates elements of deck building, where players must manage and enhance their card collections to gain advantages.

Alhambra

By: Queen Games     Players: 2-6     Time: 30-45 minutes     Ages: 8+

In Alhambra, players are tasked with creating the largest complex possible. Through purchasing various buildings and rearranging them in a specific way, players will win points throughout the game. Creating the longest external wall possible and erecting the right buildings in time for the specific scoring round will result in scoring the most points.

Players can also acquire a victory point card by meeting specific conditions, adding another layer of strategy to the game.

Alhambra is a tile placing game where players will purchase and position their tiles (representing different kinds of buildings) in a specific way in order to gain points each turn. Players will take money from the market, buy and position building tiles, or re-arrage their Alhambra each turn. Each tile is worth a certain value and can only be purchased with various types of currency, so planning ahead is always important. There are specific rules to constructing the Alhambra too and scoring varies from turn to turn, so players need to utilise strategy, forward-thinking, and some luck in order to be declared the winner. Players always have the option of rearranging the set-up of the Alhambra at any point in order to maximise points too.

Alhambra is a fun city-building game that relies on luck, strategy, and forward thinking. Well-balanced gameplay and simple rules make this a great game for all types of players.

Century: Spice Road – A Great Game

By: Plan B Games     Players: 2-5     Time: 30-45 minutes     Ages: 8+

The first in a series of games, Spice Road puts players in the shoes of a caravan leader who travels the famed silk road to deliver spices to the far reaches of the continent for fame and glory. Leading the caravan to the Mediterranean Sea in search of wealth and fortune, whoever scores the most points at the end of the game wins.

On a turn, each player can perform one action: they can play a card, acquire a new card, rest, or claim a scorecard. Ultimately, players will need to build up a reserve of spices to sell on in the form of claiming a scorecard. As long as they have all the spices listed on it, a player may claim it and score the appropriate points, and take coins. When playing cards, players can take the corresponding spices, convert spices to another type, or exchange spices for a different type. Players can always rest at any time and take back any cards they play, expanding their options for a future turn. Players must be tactful though on which spices they acquire as their caravans can only hold ten spices at one time. After the fifth point card has been claimed the game ends and the scores are tallied.

Another simple game to get to grips with, it’s all about choices and planning ahead, as well as anticipating the opponent’s moves. A great strategic game with plenty of sequels to try if the original goes down well. For those who enjoy Century: Spice Road, It’s a Wonderful World is another highly enjoyable and engaging engine-building game worth exploring.

Tokaido: Strategic Depth

By: Funforge     Players: 2-5     Time: 45 minutes     Ages: 8+

A beautiful game that sees players traveling across the “East Sea Road”, one of the most magnificent in Japan. Along the way they’ll meet people, taste fine food, collect beautiful memorabilia, discover beautiful views, and visit temples. Whoever has experienced and discovered the most by the time they reach their final destination wins.

Players advance along a linear track and periodically encounter action spaces. There are many different kinds of spaces, each offering different kinds of benefits. Farms, for example, allow players to take three coins from the bank, stopping at the hot springs to relax gets a player two or three points, and paying a tribute at a temple will earn a player just as many points as the coins they sacrifice. Meeting fellow travellers along the way and sampling different meals will also net the players various rewards. When players arrive at their inn, the game is over and the one with the most points wins.

A stunningly beautiful and simple game, players are faced with choices throughout the game.

Tokaido is also a great addition to any collection of favorite party games, thanks to its quick learning curve and interactive gameplay.

Those are some of the games out there that are similar to Splendor. Each offers something similar but provides a vastly different experience at the same time, with each being enjoyable in their own way. If there’s any you can think of we’ve not listed, we’d love to hear about them.

Engine Building Board Games

Engine building board games are a captivating genre where players gradually build up their abilities and resources to achieve victory. These games often feature card drafting or collection mechanisms, requiring players to strategically use their resources to develop their engine. Here are some standout examples:

• Century: Spice Road: This game immerses players in the world of spice trading along the Silk Road. With a card drafting mechanism, players must carefully manage their spices to claim scorecards and gain points. The strategic depth and unique theme make it a favorite among board game enthusiasts.

• Gizmos: Set in a steampunk world, Gizmos challenges players to build the most efficient machine using a marble-based engine building mechanism. The game’s innovative mechanics and engaging theme provide a fresh take on the engine building genre.

• Parks: In Parks, players explore national parks, collecting resources and memories along the way. The card drafting mechanism and beautiful artwork make this game a delightful experience, combining strategic planning with a serene theme.

These engine building board games offer a blend of strategy, planning, and thematic immersion, making them worthy additions to any board game collection.

Card Games with a Similar Feel

Card games that share a similar feel to Splendor often involve card drafting or collection mechanisms, where players must strategically use their cards to build their deck and achieve victory. Here are some notable examples:

• Century: Golem Edition: This game takes the mechanics of Century: Spice Road and adds a fantastical twist with a theme centered around golem-building. The card drafting mechanism and enchanting artwork make it a captivating experience for players.

• Skulls of Sedlec: In this game, players take on the role of gravediggers, drafting cards to build the most impressive ossuary. The unique theme and strategic card drafting make it a compelling choice for fans of Splendor.

• Marvel: Featuring a superhero theme, Marvel combines card drafting with iconic characters and powers. Players must strategically draft cards to build their team of heroes and achieve victory, making it an exciting and thematic card game.

These card games offer a blend of strategic depth and thematic richness, providing a similar feel to Splendor while introducing new and engaging mechanics.

Two-Player Games for Head-to-Head Competition

Two-player games are perfect for those seeking head-to-head competition, and many games are designed specifically with two players in mind. Here are some excellent two-player games that offer a similar experience to Splendor:

• Splendor Duel: A two-player version of the original Splendor game, Splendor Duel retains the core mechanics while introducing new elements to enhance the competitive experience. Players must strategically manage their gem tokens and development cards to outmaneuver their opponent and gain points.

• Caper Europe: In this game, players take on the roles of rival art thieves, drafting cards to assemble their crew and plan heists across Europe. The card drafting mechanism and thematic elements make it a thrilling two-player game.

• The Castles of Burgundy: This tile-laying game challenges players to build the most prosperous estate in medieval France. With a focus on strategic planning and resource management, The Castles of Burgundy offers a deep and engaging experience for two players.

These two-player games provide intense competition and strategic depth, making them perfect for those looking to challenge a friend or loved one in a head-to-head battle.

By incorporating these new sections, the article now offers a comprehensive guide to games similar to Splendor, covering various aspects of gameplay and providing readers with a wealth of options to explore.