Metro
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.7 / 5
- Year
- 1997
About the game
Metro is a classic tile-laying game in which players extend subway rail lines across a growing network, aiming to connect starting stations to open destination stations as efficiently, or as lengthily, as possible. Unlike similar route-building games, Metro rewards players for making their rail lines as long as possible, scoring a point for every tile a completed route crosses, with double points for reaching the prestigious central city stations. Every tile can be legally placed anywhere on the grid, keeping the game flowing without awkward placement puzzles. Originally released as Iron Horse, Metro has become a beloved staple of the tile-laying genre. It's a quick, elegant game of route-building strategy.
Hobbli's Notes
Metro is a wonderfully clean design: the rule that any tile fits anywhere keeps the game moving briskly while still rewarding clever route planning. It's a great pick for fans of Carcassonne-style tile games looking for something with a sharper competitive edge. The abstract theme won't appeal to everyone, but the gameplay itself holds up well decades later.
What we like
- Elegant, simple tile-laying rules that are easy to teach.
- Quick 30-minute playtime with low downtime.
- Rewards spatial and route-building strategy.
- Classic design that has stood the test of time.
Keep in mind
- Abstract theme offers little narrative excitement.
- Scoring can be swingy if routes loop unexpectedly.
- Limited player interaction beyond blocking routes.
Who it's for
Good for tile-laying fans ages 8 and up in groups of 2-6 wanting a quick, strategic game.
