The Red Cathedral
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 80 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.8 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
The Red Cathedral tasks players with leading construction teams racing to build St. Basil's Cathedral for Ivan the Terrible, though only one team will win his favor. Using a central rondel, players gather resources, assign cathedral sections, and send materials to complete towers, earning money and prestige points along the way. Completing enough sections triggers the endgame, at which point the most accomplished builder wins.
Hobbli's Notes
The Red Cathedral offers a tight, satisfying resource-management puzzle wrapped in an appealing rondel system. It's approachable to learn while still rewarding efficient planning, making it a solid mid-weight pick for Euro gamers who want depth without excessive length.
What we like
- Clever dice-and-rondel system for gathering resources.
- Compact playtime of around 80 minutes.
- Solo mode is available for single-player games.
- Multiple paths to scoring through sections and decorations.
Keep in mind
- Player interaction is largely indirect and can feel solitary.
- Rondel movement decisions can invite analysis paralysis.
- Theme feels light relative to the mechanical depth.
Who it's for
Great for Euro gamers ages 12 and up, playing solo or in groups of up to four, who enjoy rondel-driven resource management.
