Merlin
- 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.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.1 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Merlin is a Stefan Feld design in which players guide knights of the Round Table, or the wily wizard Merlin himself, around a rondel-style action ring to complete quests worthy of King Arthur's heir. Players earn victory points by defeating barbarians, building manors, and expanding influence across six counties, all while everyone can nudge Merlin toward or away from their own plans. Task cards add extra scoring opportunities, rewarding efficient route and action planning. A tightly wound medieval strategy game built around clever movement and area influence.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editors enjoy Merlin's clever twist of letting all players move the shared Merlin piece, creating constant tactical tension around a rondel that Feld fans will appreciate. It's a solid mid-weight strategy game, if a bit fiddly for newcomers to the genre.
What we like
- Clever shared-Merlin movement mechanic
- Multiple viable paths to victory points
- Satisfying area-influence and efficiency puzzle
- Strong King Arthur theming
Keep in mind
- Can have notable downtime between turns
- Rules and scoring can feel fiddly for new players
Who it's for
Best for strategy gamers ages 14+ in groups of 2-4 who enjoy Stefan Feld's efficiency-driven Euro designs.
