Keltis
- 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.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.6 / 5
- Year
- 2008
About the game
Keltis is Reiner Knizia's multiplayer reworking of his classic Lost Cities, later republished under its original name and theme as Lost Cities: The Board Game. Players play cards in ascending or descending order along five colored paths, moving their pieces forward while collecting bonus tokens along the way. The tension comes from deciding whether to commit fully to a path for big rewards or bail early to avoid penalties. Supporting two to four players in about thirty minutes, it's an elegant push-your-luck game with simple rules and real strategic bite. The game ends once five pieces reach the higher spaces on their paths, triggering a satisfying final scoring.
Hobbli's Notes
Keltis is classic Knizia: a small, elegant ruleset that hides genuine decision-making depth underneath. The risk-versus-reward tension of committing to a path never gets old, even for players who've played many of his other design. It's a great pick for groups that enjoy quick, thinky games without heavy rules overhead.
What we like
- Elegant push-your-luck path-building mechanic with real depth.
- Quick to teach and play, wrapping up in about thirty minutes.
- Scales nicely for two to four players.
- Rewarding risk-versus-reward decisions on every turn.
Keep in mind
- Abstract presentation may feel dry for players wanting stronger theme.
- Luck of the card draw affects which paths are viable.
- Fans of Knizia's other designs may find it similar to his other work.
Who it's for
Great for families and light-strategy fans in groups of two to four, ages 10 and up, who enjoy quick push-your-luck card games.
