51st State
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.1 / 5
- Year
- 2010
About the game
Set in a post-apocalyptic America thirty years after collapse, 51st State has players controlling one of four factions - mutants, traders, New Yorkers, or Appalachians - as they carve out a new nation from the ruins. Every card can be played three ways: invade a location for a one-time resource haul, sign a contract for steady income, or attach it to your state to use its special ability. Balancing hand management with drafting new locations creates constant tough trade-offs as you build your engine. Designed by Ignacy Trzewiczek, it's a foundational entry in what would become the Imperial Settlers series of games.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team considers 51st State a landmark card-driven engine-builder, with its "one card, three uses" concept offering remarkable depth for a card game. The post-apocalyptic theme and asymmetric factions give real replay variety, and the drafting-into-engine-building loop is deeply satisfying. It can run long with more players, but the decision space stays rich throughout. A must-play for fans of Imperial Settlers looking for its meatier predecessor.
What we like
- Innovative one-card-three-uses design creates deep decisions.
- Strong asymmetric factions add replay variety.
- Satisfying engine-building progression.
- Influential title that spawned the Imperial Settlers series.
Keep in mind
- Playtime can stretch, especially at higher player counts.
- Rules and card text require some upfront learning.
- Post-apocalyptic theme is fairly light on table presence.
Who it's for
Great for ages 12+ euro-gamers who enjoy engine-building and card-drafting games with 2-4 players.
