Objective of the Game
Le Havre is a strategic board game where players take on the role of harbor managers. The objective of the game is to collect the most prestige points after a certain number of rounds. Points are obtained through building structures and ships, as well as gathering resources and money.
Setup
- Each player receives a personal player board and a starting task.
- Place the main game board in the center with building cards, ship decks, resource tokens, and coins prepared.
- All buildings possible to construct in the round are sorted by construction cost and set aside.
- A number of ship decks, depending on the number of players, are prepared.
Gameplay
The game spans a set number of rounds, with multiple turns occurring in each round. On a player's turn, they can choose from the following actions:
- Take Resources: The active player can take all resources from one of the seven spaces.
- Build a Building: If a player has the necessary resources, they can build a building. Buildings offer various benefits and opportunities to players.
- Build a Ship: With the right resources, players can also build ships, aiding in the sale of goods and generating income.
- Use a Building: The player can use one of the buildings to perform various actions such as trading resources or producing food.
Special Rules
- Food: At certain points, players must feed their population. If a player lacks sufficient food, they must take out loans which are penalized.
- Loans: Loans can be taken if resources or money is lacking, but by the end of the game, all loans must be repaid.
- Building Activations: Many buildings can also be used by other players, often for an entry fee paid to the owner.
Strategic Tips
- Manage Resources wisely. Always keep enough food for feeding phases.
- Plan Long-Term: Establish your own resource and trade network early.
- Building Selection: Construct beneficial buildings early which are either helpful or frequently visited by competitors.
- Ships are Crucial: They greatly facilitate trade and provide valuable points.
End of the Game and Winning Conditions
The game ends after the final round of a predetermined number of turns. Then a final scoring takes place where players score for their buildings, ships, and remaining cash. The player with the most points wins.
Le Havre is a complex and rewarding game that blends resource collection, economic empire building, and financial management.
