Objective of the Game
In Helvetia, players take on the role of village leaders trying to develop their village most successfully. The aim of the game is to earn the most victory points through developing the village, production, and trade.
Game Components
- Game Board: Represents the central game zone with various villages.
- Village Tiles: Each tile represents a building that can be placed in a village.
- Resources: Various resources needed in the game.
- Action Cards: Determine the possible actions of the players.
- Player Pieces: The villagers of each player's color.
- Various Tokens: For trade, production, and other game requirements.
Gameplay
- Setup: Each player receives starting village tiles and a specific number of resources and villagers.
- Rounds: The game progresses over several rounds, each consisting of different phases:
- Action Phase: Players take turns choosing action cards to perform specific actions like production, trade, or building new structures.
- Production Phase: Buildings in the village produce resources, provided the necessary conditions such as villagers or pre-existing resources are met.
- Trade Phase: Players can exchange resources with others or sell them to gain additional victory points.
- End of Round: After the trade phase, check if the game ends or a new round begins.
Actions
- Building: Expand a village with new buildings. Construction requires resources and villagers.
- Producing: Generate resources when corresponding buildings are present in the village.
- Trading: Exchange resources with other players or for set prices on the board.
Rules for Winning
The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when a player reaches a certain amount of victory points. The player with the most victory points wins.
Tactical Tips
- Resource Management: Efficiently allocate resources as it's crucial. Focus on ensuring you always have the resources needed to take desired actions.
- Building Connections: Pay attention to which buildings allow efficient production chains.
- React to Other Players: Be flexible and adjust your strategy based on other players' actions to maximize advantages.
Final Remark
Helvetia is a strategy game that requires both planning and flexibility. It combines strategic development with the need for trade and smart placement of villagers to create the optimal village.