Carcassonne is essentially medieval Dominoes, only with pretty pictures and a novel layer of area control mechanics.
But is Carcassonne really worth it in 2025?
And does it still deserve to be considered one of thebest board gamestwo decades after it was first published?
The game ends when all tiles are placed.
This earns you three points for every completed city within or bordering that field.
No matter what you build, it’ll look rather handsome when finished.
A completed board is a satisfying, patchwork map of medieval life.
It’s accessible, easy-going, and strategic enough to keep you invested until the end of each match.
There’s a reason why this is often touted as a good ‘beginner’ board game, after all.
While it’s easy to learn and teach by comparison, it may leave your average Eurogamer wanting more.
Why play with colored blocks when you have Mechano, am I right?
Play also relies almost entirely on the luck of the draw.
Similarly, avid city builders will wince at the heavy procedurality, particularly if they have an artistic eye.
Honestly, some roads and cities end up looking like they were designed by an alien species.
That said, there are plenty of expansions to give it more depth.
Carcassonne is one of those games with a near-endless supply of expansion packs.
In addition, the randomization means there’s heaps of replayability.
Where Carcassonne really shines is in its simplicity, too.
Don’t get me wrong, assumptions and accidental house rules often creep up.
Should you buy Carcassonne?
If you’re looking for something with broad appeal, Carcassonne is a great option.
It’s a very similar concept, but has far more depth.
5 / 5
Replayability
Although you may tire of the mechanics eventually, Carcassonne is endlessly replayable.
Meanwhile pack-down is just as straightforward.
Component quality
Carcassonne’s pieces are built to last.
They may not be the flashiest, but they’re sturdy.
It’s great for families, kids, and people who prefer to let chaos reign.
A core loop of ‘draw tile, place tile, place meeple’ is not the most intellectually stimulating.
it’s possible for you to also check out the widerGamesRadar+ reviews policy.
