Ulm
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
Ulm places 2-4 players in the prosperous free imperial city during its 16th-century heyday, competing to expand influence around the ever-growing central cathedral. Each turn, players push an action tile into the cathedral, triggering three linked actions that build the tower higher and higher. Over ten rounds, players collect victory points through guild influence, trade, and set collection while racing to be the city's most important citizen. It's a clever, thematic take on tile-pushing with a satisfying central puzzle.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates Ulm's unusual central mechanism, where physically pushing tiles into the cathedral creates genuine tension over resource timing. It rewards planning several turns ahead without becoming overly fiddly, though the historical setting is more decorative than a driver of gameplay. It's a solid mid-weight Euro that rewards optimization fans without demanding a huge time commitment.
What we like
- Unique tile-pushing cathedral mechanism creates tactile tension.
- Rewards forward planning and efficient resource use.
- Rich medieval theme tied to a real historic city.
- Reasonable 75-minute playtime for a mid-weight Euro.
Keep in mind
- The central mechanism can feel opaque to new players at first.
- Theme is largely abstracted from actual gameplay decisions.
Who it's for
Best for adult and teen Euro-gamers (ages 10+) who enjoy medium-complexity strategy games with around 3 players.
