Belfort
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2011
About the game
Belfort invites 2-5 players to put Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes to work building up a pentagonal fantasy city. Elves gather wood, Dwarves mine stone, and the two together can collect metal, all feeding into construction across the city's five districts. Buildings grant income and district influence, but taxes rise with your score, so the leader always pays a bit more than everyone else. It's a worker-placement game layered with area-majority scoring across both districts and worker types.
Hobbli's Notes
Belfort's escalating tax mechanic is a smart bit of design that keeps runaway leaders in check without feeling punitive. The layered area-majority scoring across districts and worker types gives experienced euro players plenty to chew on. It can run long and a little fiddly at full player count, so budget your evening accordingly.
What we like
- Satisfying worker placement layered with area-majority scoring.
- Escalating tax mechanic keeps leaders in check.
- Whimsical fantasy race theme with distinct worker roles.
- Meaningful competition over limited building spots.
Keep in mind
- Downtime can grow noticeably at higher player counts.
- Runs long for its overall weight class.
- Building and worker bookkeeping can feel fiddly.
Who it's for
Suited to euro-gamers aged 12+ who enjoy worker placement with area-majority scoring and a whimsical fantasy theme; 2-5 players.
