Cartographers
- Players
- 1-100
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.9 / 5
- Year
- 2019
About the game
Cartographers is a fast-paced roll-and-write style game where players draw shapes onto their own map sheet to fulfill the queen's shifting edicts each season. As cards are flipped revealing new terrain shapes, everyone draws simultaneously, racing to maximize reputation stars while fending off encroaching monster incursions. With support for very large groups simultaneously and a genuinely solid solo mode, it's an unusually flexible, quick, and creative puzzle game. Its light rules and gorgeous fantasy map aesthetic make it an easy, satisfying pick for any group size.
Hobbli's Notes
Cartographers hits a sweet spot of quick, satisfying puzzle-solving with just enough scoring tension to keep competitive players engaged. The simultaneous drawing means there's essentially no downtime, which is a huge plus for larger groups, and the changing seasonal edicts keep strategies fresh each game. It's light on direct interaction, so players seeking confrontation may find it too parallel, but as a creative, relaxed filler or family activity, it's excellent.
What we like
- Simultaneous play means virtually no downtime, even in big groups.
- Solo mode is genuinely well designed for one-player games.
- Quick 45-minute playtime with light rules to teach.
- Beautiful fantasy map art and satisfying puzzle drawing.
- Scales from solo to very large groups.
Keep in mind
- Limited direct player interaction beyond shared edict scoring.
- Repeated plays can start to feel similar without expansions.
- Requires erasable sheets or paper refills for repeated play.
Who it's for
Great for casual groups and families ages 10 and up, including solo players; scales unusually well from one player to large parties.
