Pharaon
- Players
- 1-5
- 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.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2019
About the game
Pharaon casts you as one of Pharaoh's children, competing to build the most magnificent burial chamber and secure your place in the afterlife. Using the central Wheel of Actions, you'll manage resources and worker placement as the wheel's rotation constantly shifts which resources unlock which actions. Plan carefully, since spots on the wheel are limited and your rivals want the same resources you do. Fulfilling the demands of the gods earns bonus Prestige Points on top of your careful economic maneuvering. With modular boards and variable setups, every game of Pharaon presents a fresh puzzle.
Hobbli's Notes
Pharaon's rotating Wheel of Actions is a genuinely clever twist on the worker placement formula, forcing players to plan several turns ahead as costs shift. The ancient Egyptian theme is nicely woven into the resource and prestige systems. It rewards players who enjoy tight economic optimization and reading their opponents' resource needs. As a mid-weight Euro, it may be less familiar to players outside dedicated strategy circles, so approach with an open mind.
What we like
- Clever rotating action-cost mechanism.
- Rich ancient Egyptian theming.
- Supports solo play alongside multiplayer.
- Variable setups add strong replayability.
Keep in mind
- Wheel mechanism has a learning curve for new players.
- 75-minute playtime with real strategic weight.
- Limited action spots can create early-game competition frustration.
Who it's for
Good for strategy gamers aged 12+ who enjoy worker placement and resource management, playing solo or with up to 5 players.
