Objective:
The primary goal in the game Orléans is to accumulate the most victory points over several rounds. Players can gain victory points through a variety of actions, completing development tracks, and fulfilling contracts.
Setup:
- Game Board: Place the main game board in the center. It features various areas such as the map, the development track, and the market.
- Player Boards: Each player gets a player board where they place their followers and plan actions.
- Starting Materials: Each player receives a set of starting followers and, depending on the player order, a certain amount of starting capital in coins.
- Followers: Shuffle the follower tiles thoroughly and create a supply.
- Tech Tiles, Buildings, and Events: Set these according to the number of players.
Gameplay:
Orléans is played over 18 rounds, each divided into several phases:
- Event Phase: Reveal an event tile that will affect the current round.
- Draw Followers: Each player draws tiles from their bag to plan actions.
- Planning Phase: Players place drawn tiles on their board to organize actions according to their strategy.
- Action Phase: Execute chosen actions that activated through placed followers.
- Actions can include recruiting new followers, moving on the map, progressing on the development track, or constructing buildings.
- Income and Development: Income is paid in coins, and developments on the board are carried out.
Key Concepts:
- Followers: These tiles are the engine to activate actions in the game. They come in various types like farmer, craftsman, merchant, etc., each supporting different actions.
- Tech Tiles: These provide permanent improvements and advantages in the player’s action.
- Buildings: Each building has special effects offering additional actions or resources in a player's turn.
Strategies:
- Balance: Ensure a balanced strategy between gaining new followers, advancing on the development track, and settling on the map.
- Adaptation: Adapt your moves to the revealed events each round to make the best out of unexpected turns.
End of Game and Winning:
The game ends after the 18th round. Players count their victory points from progress on the development track, accumulated coins, goods, and constructed buildings. The player with the most victory points wins.
With this comprehensive overview of Orléans, new players should feel well-prepared to enjoy and successfully strategize in the game!
