Ticket to Ride has risen to the status of a modern classic in the gaming world, significantly impacting the board gaming community by showcasing the engaging and thematic elements of gameplay. It has ushered countless gamers deeper into the hobby, earning its reputation as an ideal gateway game. The concept of laying train tracks to establish routes and journeys might not initially seem thrilling, but this game has transcended its humble beginnings. With numerous expansions exploring various territories, digital versions, and the recent introduction of Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West—a legacy game that evolves as you play, meant to be experienced once—it has broadened its appeal. The original game invites players on an adventure across North America, often earning it the nickname Ticket to Ride: USA. Today, we’re diving into a review of Ticket to Ride Board Game, exploring its various versions and expansions from the original map of the USA and Canada to the Ticket to Ride: Europe edition set in turn-of-the-century Europe.
Travel back to 1900s America, and then across it, in Ticket to Ride
What is Ticket to Ride Board Game?
Alan R. Moon, the designer behind Ticket to Ride, had created several games before its launch but could never have predicted the skyrocketing popularity of Ticket to Ride. It’s rare for a game to be mentioned on cultural giants like Saturday Night Live and South Park, yet Ticket to Ride has been referenced by both. Furthermore, there were whispers of a TV series adaptation in the works pre-COVID, which, despite never materializing, speaks volumes about its cultural impact.
With its simple yet captivating premise, Ticket to Ride has won over numerous newcomers to the gaming world, accumulating a trove of awards along the way. One can’t help but speculate whether its legacy will elevate it to the status of iconic games like Monopoly or Clue. Only time will reveal its ultimate place in the pantheon of board games. Meanwhile, sharing its name with a famous Beatles track, we find joy in both playing the game and humming the tune. As a first game, Ticket to Ride serves as an excellent introduction to the board gaming world, offering an accessible and engaging experience for those new to the hobby.
How many players in Ticket to Ride?
Ticket to Ride, accommodating 2-5 players, is ideally enjoyed with four participants according to popular opinion on Board Game Geek, ensuring the most engaging gameplay experience. Suitable for ages 8 and up, younger enthusiasts may also participate with some assistance. Alternatively, for those younger players, Ticket to Ride: My First Journey offers a more fitting option.
Pick your color and show your tickets, these are the Ticket to Ride train pieces to claim your route with
How long does it take to play Ticket to Ride?
A session of Ticket to Ride typically unfolds over 30-60 minutes. The duration varies based on the cards drawn and player decisiveness. Indeed, every group has that one player who meticulously deliberates their next move, extending the game’s length.
Which Ticket to Ride is best?
Below, we’ll dive deeper into various editions of Ticket to Ride, with particular focus on the most acclaimed versions: Ticket to Ride and Ticket to Ride: Europe. The choice between them largely hinges on personal gaming style preferences. While all versions share the same fundamental gameplay mechanics, Ticket to Ride stands out as the timeless classic.
How to Play Ticket to Ride Board Game
Ticket to Ride is an engaging board game that becomes intuitive once you start playing. The objective is to amass the highest number of points possible by claiming railway routes and completing the connections specified on your destination cards.
At the beginning, players receive Destination Tickets, with the option to acquire more throughout the game. These tickets outline specific objectives, such as connecting New York to Atlanta for six points, or Montreal to New Orleans for 13 points. These objectives are kept secret from your opponents, who are simultaneously working towards their own goals.
Where will your ticket take you?
To establish your connections in the game, you’ll need to strategically use Train cards. The game board features a myriad of connections in various colors, and claiming a route requires a sufficient number of matching train cards in the corresponding color. Longer routes yield higher points, adding to the strategic depth of the game.
Beware, your opponent might inadvertently or intentionally claim a route critical to your strategy, forcing you to find alternative paths that may not be as direct. However, be cautious, as uncompleted ticket cards will result in a deduction of points, adding a layer of risk to your strategy.
The anniversary of a much loved game brought an anniversary edition!
How does one acquire train cards? Initially, five train cards are displayed, allowing you to select two, or you have the option to draw train cards randomly from the deck. The only exception is if you choose a multicolored train card, which is versatile and can be used as any color, counting as two cards instead.
Ticket to Ride features additional rules, such as earning points for the longest continuous route and the flexibility of grey routes, which can be utilized by any single color. However, grasping the basics of the game is remarkably swift. Once all players have acquainted themselves with the rules, it transforms into a fast-paced, strategic, and enjoyable game for families, encapsulating the essence of game play in every session.
Why Play Ticket to Ride Strategy Game?
Ticket to Ride is a Family Game
Discovering the perfect game that captivates the entire family is no small feat, yet Ticket to Ride accomplishes this with remarkable finesse. Trains, a nearly universal symbol of travel and adventure, serve as the game’s foundation. Most adults have traveled by train at some point, and children are introduced to the concept even before starting school. Building a game around this shared experience eases the challenge of learning something new, as players already possess a basic familiarity. This is a key reason for the popularity of franchise games. Ticket to Ride’s brilliance lies in its variability and simplicity, allowing younger players to compete seamlessly against their elders, ensuring a fully enjoyable experience for all.
Ticket to Ride is a modern classic
Over the past three decades, the board game hobby has seen exponential growth, leading to an unprecedented number of games gracing people’s shelves. Among these, Catan and Ticket to Ride stand out as likely companions to classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue for game enthusiasts. Their popularity isn’t coincidental; it’s well-deserved.
Ticket to Ride has a version for every play style
The variety of Ticket to Ride editions and expansions ensures there’s a version for every preference. For those seeking a condensed experience, Ticket to Ride: London delivers with its compact board, reduced playtime, and streamlined gameplay. Meanwhile, Ticket to Ride: Rails and Sails expands the adventure globally, introducing ships and adding complexity to the strategy. Additionally, fans can explore a Ticket to Ride themed puzzle book. Among all the options, we’ve selected our favorite options:
New opportunities for gameplay come with the many versions of Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride: 1910 Expansion
The Ticket to Ride: 1910 expansion is a must-have for fans of the original game looking to enrich their gameplay experience. This expansion significantly broadens the game by introducing 181 large format cards, including 35 new destination tickets, a full-size replacement deck of the original ticket and train cards, and a special GlobeTrotter bonus card for completing the most tickets.
The 1910 expansion not only offers a refreshing variety of new routes that challenge players to strategize differently but also addresses one of the base game’s common criticisms: the small size of the original cards. By upgrading the cards to a larger format, the expansion improves the game’s accessibility and ease of handling, enhancing the overall enjoyment for all players. Whether you’re a competitive player looking to explore new strategies or just seeking to invigorate your game nights, the 1910 expansion provides a rich, rewarding add-on to the classic Ticket to Ride.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
If the family members are younger than the recommended age of 8+, or if they find the art in Ticket to Ride a bit too mature, consider Ticket to Ride: First Journey. This version is suitable for children as young as six, featuring brightly illustrated stations instead of merely named ones, which alleviates the concern for less confident readers struggling with complicated place names. Victory goes to the first player who claims six tracks, simplifying the game by eliminating the need to score as you progress.
Fun artwork replaces its more serious predecessors, with the child friendly Ticket to Ride: First Journey
You could also try Ticket to Ride: Ghost Train, for a halloween-esqe, spooky family friendly version to play with the younger kids.
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
If you’re a fan of hobby board games, then “Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West” is a must-have for your collection. This game introduces a legacy format, where your gameplay involves making permanent changes to the board itself, lending a significant weight to every decision and ensuring no two games are the same. The reception for this edition has been exceptionally positive. To keep the main storyline a surprise, we’ll hold off from diving into specifics.
Try a whole new game style with Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
Ticket to Ride: Europe
Ticket to Ride: Europe is a game that sits in the high heights of good esteem right alongside Ticket to Ride – and in fact, both Europe and another called Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries are ranked higher on the Board Game Geek rankings.
The game uses the same foundation as Ticket to Ride, on a new, European based map, and incorporates new elements such as tunnels, ferries, and stations. Players in this edition are claiming train routes between cities of turn-of-the-century Europe, focusing on connecting two cities listed on destination ticket cards to score points. The mechanics of claiming these train routes include collecting train cards that match the route’s color and utilizing tunnels and ferries to add strategic depth to the gameplay. For those who enjoy Ticket to Ride and are looking for something more, this is where you’d head.
Ticket to Ride Europe takes you further afield, and adds in new game mechanics
You could also try the aforementioned Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries, which does similarly and is equally popular. If you plan to mostly play with two players, you’ll want to grab this version.
Where to find Ticket to Ride?
Ticket to Ride is readily available at your local game stores and, of course, on Amazon.
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Should the original be hard to find, there are anniversary editions and various other versions as well. Additionally, there’s a pandemic-themed variant named Stay at Home, which you can print straight from the website. Ticket to Ride also enjoys a significant online presence. Although the original digital game is no longer supported, players can still enjoy it on Board Game Arena.
Also Read: Alhambra Board Game Review
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of board games, Ticket to Ride board game has something for everyone. From expansions and spin-offs to online versions and legacy editions, there’s no shortage of options for players to explore and enjoy. And with its simple yet strategic gameplay, it’s no wonder that Ticket to Ride continues to be a beloved favorite among gamers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a game of Ticket to Ride take to play?
Most versions of Ticket to Ride take between 30 to 60 minutes to play, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game rules. Specific variations, like Ticket to Ride: London, are designed for quicker play, typically around 15 to 30 minutes.
Can Ticket to Ride be played with two players?
Yes, Ticket to Ride can be enjoyed with two players, offering more strategic elements and competitive gameplay experience. The rule set adjusts slightly to accommodate the reduced player count, ensuring a balanced and engaging game, but you may want to look at version with tighter maps, like Nordic Countries, London, New York, or San Fransisco.
Is there an age limit for playing Ticket to Ride?
Ticket to Ride is generally recommended for players aged 8 and above due to the strategic thinking and planning required. However, Ticket to Ride: First Journey is specifically designed for younger players, ages 6 and up, with simplified rules and gameplay.
Are expansions necessary to enjoy Ticket to Ride?
No, expansions are not necessary to enjoy Ticket to Ride. The base game offers a complete and satisfying experience. Expansions and variations provide new maps, rules, and gameplay elements for those looking to explore beyond the original game.
Can Ticket to Ride be educational?
Absolutely! Ticket to Ride can teach geography through its various maps, strategic thinking through gameplay, and even a bit of history, especially with editions like Ticket to Ride: Europe that include historical routes and elements.