Guilds of London
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 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
- 2016
About the game
Guilds of London puts you in the shoes of a medieval merchant vying for influence within the powerful trade guilds that once ran the city of London. By placing liverymen strategically across a modular board of guilds, you build toward Master status, unlocking victory points and special actions along the way. Hand management and area influence intertwine as you also extend your reach into the lucrative Ulster or Virginia plantations. Designed by Tony Boydell, it's a mid-weight strategy game for 1-4 players set in London's medieval trade era.
Hobbli's Notes
Guilds of London delivers satisfying area-influence tension without overstaying its welcome: the modular board keeps every session feeling different, and racing for Guild Master status gives each turn real stakes. It's an underrated pick for players who like historical, city-based strategy games with a manageable footprint.
What we like
- Modular board setup keeps replays feeling fresh.
- Area influence and hand management combine for meaningful decisions.
- Solid solo mode extends its playability.
- Manageable 90-minute playtime for a mid-weight strategy game.
Keep in mind
- Guild-influence race can feel abstract without strong theme immersion.
- Downtime grade suggests some waiting between turns at higher player counts.
- Limited player interaction outside of guild competition.
Who it's for
Good for strategy gamers ages 12+ looking for a mid-weight economic game; plays well solo or in groups up to four.
