Funkenschlag
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2001
About the game
Funkenschlag is the original first edition of what would become the celebrated Power Grid, where players draw electrical networks connecting cities on the board and then power them by purchasing plants and the fuel to run them. Auction bidding for power plants competes directly against the need to expand your network, forcing constant tradeoffs. This first edition differs from the later Power Grid in payout schedule and other refinements. It's built for two to six players over a substantial three-hour game.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team considers Funkenschlag a fascinating look at the roots of one of the modern euro classics. The tension between network expansion and power-plant economics still holds up remarkably well. Fans of Power Grid will find this a worthwhile curiosity, if a bit rougher around the edges than the later edition.
What we like
- Classic auction-and-network system that inspired Power Grid.
- Deep economic strategy around resource and network management.
- Scales well for two to six players.
- Rewards long-term planning across the entire game.
Keep in mind
- Three-hour playtime demands a real time commitment.
- Auction bidding can create early-game imbalance.
- Notable downtime waiting for other players' turns.
Who it's for
Great for euro-strategy fans age 12+ who enjoy economic network-building games, in groups of two to six.
