I have 8 and a 10 years old son, and both love playing board games. They recently asked me to get them city building board games, but I had no idea where to get these board games from. I tried looking in games stores but did not like the quality, and most of those games were quite expensive. Then a friend suggested me to look at Amazon. I browsed the city-building board games there and came across some of the best city building board games.
The prices were reasonable, and the themes were amazing. I could see the products were great from the description, and the customers’ reviews proved it further. I ordered two city-building board games, which arrived in a short duration. We are delighted with our purchase.
This article will review these products in detail, so if anyone else is looking for these board games, they will not have to face any difficulty. Kindly read this article and let us know in the comment section if you found it helpful. Also, please share with us what city building board game you are going to buy.
Table of Contents
Top 6 City Building Board Game On Market (2021)
- Citadels Board Game immensely popular city-building card game and costs only $32.99
- Quadropolis Board Game is the best game for 8 years olds kids, and it costs only $49.99.
- Suburbia board game is a great game for 13 years old and older people, and its price is $93.27.
- Stonemaier Games Between Two Cities Board Game costs $31.99. It is an excellent game for 8 years olds.
- R&D Games Keyflower Board Game costs about $65.68, and it is a fun game for 13 years olds.
- La Havre by Mayfair Games costs about $54.99, and it is recommended for 10 years and older kids.
What is a City Building Board Game?
As the name indicates, in the city building board games, the players build cities and towns. Often in these games, the players work together in groups. The players also create a representation of a collection of buildings. Some of these games include cards to represent the buildings, while in others; tiny tiles are used to represent buildings. There is an excellent variety of city-building board games available in the market. Some of them are in
- Citadels Board Game
- Quadropolis Board Game.
My Experience for Writing This Guide for You
As mentioned earlier, I ordered two city building board games from Amazon, and they arrived in a short time. I loved the quality, the board game dimensions, and the quality of the cards. Our first purchase was Quadropolis Board Game. This board game’s recommended age is 8 years and up, and it only costs $49.99. Up to 4 players can play this game and the playing time varies between 30 to 60 minutes. In this game, the players take the commissioner’s role and make their cities better and more crowded. Our second purchase was La Havre Board Game by Mayfair Games. This fantastic board game costs only $54.99, and it is an excellent game for up to 5 players. Players try to become the most preeminent ship magnate in this game and compete against other players to score more points. The ones with the highest scores ultimately win the game.
Comparison Table for Best City Building Board Games
6 Best City Building Board Games Product Review, Features
01- Citadels Board Game
This game has a fantasy genre, and it is one of the best city building board games. Up to 8 players can play this fantastic game and have a great time. Players become the masters of the kingdom in this board game. First, they construct mighty edifices to impress the monarchy. These edifices stand the test of time.
Features
- Players choose one or more characters in each round to play the game.
- Architect, Merchant, and Warlords assist the players.
- Up to 8 players can play this brilliant board game and have a great time.
- Players need to be careful about the assassin and the thief.
- District cards are built by paying gold.
- Gaming time lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.
- This game features 12 new districts and 9 new characters.
- It is an easy-to-learn game that people of all age groups enjoy.
- Weight of the game board is only 1 Pound. It is light in weight game, so it is easily portable as well.
- Dimensions of this board game are 2 x 10 x 10 inches.
Players’ Role
Players impress the monarchy by constructing towers that can also stand the test of time. Kingdom’s experts like merchants and the architects etc., also assist the players.
Playing Time
The playing time of this game lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. 2 to 7 players have great fun and excitement during this time.
Easily Playable
This game is very easy to play. The rules are straightforward and not at all complicated. People of all age groups have a great time playing this game.
- Easy to play
- An excellent game for 2 to 7 players
- Game time is 30 to 60 minutes
- The weight of the game is only 1 pound
- Dimensions of the board game are 2 x 10 x 10 inches
- The game has small parts, so it should be kept away from kids.
Why should you buy this?
This game is easy and fun to play. People from all age groups enjoy this game.
02- Quadropolis Board Game
This board game is for up to 4 players. Its genre is a strategy, and it does not have a long-playing duration. The most important benefit of the short time is that the players do not get bored of the game and can have new rounds. Intermediate skill level is required to play this board game, and children aged 8 and more can play this and have fun.
Features
- The board game only weighs 3 pounds.
- Due to being light in weight, the game is easily portable.
- Dimensions of this board game are 2.75 x 11.82 x 11.82 inches.
- Players can take the board game anywhere and play wherever they want to.
- 2 to 4 players can play this game.
- Players play the role of a commissioner who constructs the city.
- They make the city more prestigious and populous.
- Game playing time lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.
- Intermediate skills are enough to play this game. Therefore, people from all age groups can play it and have fun.
- Recommended age for the game is 8 years old kids and older people.
Playing Time
The playing time of this game lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. The best part of this playing duration is that players do not get bored and play as many rounds as possible.
Players’ Skills
This board game does not need the players to be pro or expert at the game. It is pretty easy to learn, and they play it well even if they have intermediate skills.
Number of Players
This game is recommended for 4 players. Players play this game and build their cities in a prestigious manner in Quadropolis.
- Light in weight
- Easy to learn and play.
- Great game for 4 players
- Generous playing time
- Perfect board dimensions.
- Choking hazard for kids under 3 years.
Why should you buy this?
This is an excellent game for kids who like building towns and erecting tall buildings. Players build prestigious cities in the Quadropolis.
03- Suburbia – The City Building Board Game
This game is a board game version of SimCity. Players build the cities the way they like to. It is a fascinating game for 4 players. The game has a great board, and players enjoy the game.
Features
- Dimensions of the game board are 2.88 x 11.75 x 11.75 inches.
- It is an excellent game for 4 players who build cities in the Suburbia.
- Weight of this board game is 2.2 pounds. Due to such low weight, it is easily portable.
- Recommended age of the players for this game is 13 years and up.
- This board game is more like a SimCity where players.
- All players create their city, one building tile at a time. There are dozens of building tiles in the game, and all of them interact with each other.
- Metropolis and huge towns are made by the players, by their collective effort.
- Players also modify the income and reputation once the towns are complete.
- Population also grows as the reputation of the town’s increases.
- Players compete against each other at all levels for unique goals, which offer a population boost.
Building towns
In this Suburbia board game, players compete with each other for goals and build towns. As the towns’ reputation increases, the quest for population increases, and the player with more population wins the game.
Competitive Game
This game is very engaging and builds interest as the players compete to increase their towns’ population. As the city grows, players modify their income and reputation.
Easily Portable
Suburbia board game weighs only 2.2 pounds. Due to being so light in weight, the game is portable. It is easier to carry this game where you want to or play wherever you like to.
- Engaging and competitive game
- Easy to play
- Great game for 4 players
- Great match for 13-year-olds.
- Perfect board dimensions.
- The game is limited to 4 players only.
Why should you buy this?
In this board game the players build towns, and as the reputation of their town increases, their population increases. This game ensures the players have a great time.
04- Stonemaier Games Between Two Cities Board Game
This game is set in the early 1800s, and it is the Era of early urbanization and construction. Players are the master city planners who are asked to redesign two different cities. Players play in the form of a group because projects of this scale require a collective effort. To know more about this product head on to the features section.
Features
- In this board game, the players redesign two different cities.
- Since the project is vast, players work in groups and take care of immense construction.
- This game is recommended for 3 to 7 players.
- Playing time of this game is only 20 minutes to have many rounds.
- Board dimensions of the board game are 10 x 2 x 10 inches.
- Weight of this Stonemaier board game is only 2 pounds.
- The player with the highest score wins the game.
- Stonemaier board game can be played solo as well as in the form of partners.
- Players select two tiles from hand on each turn, reveal them and then work with their partners to place those tiles separately in two different cities.
- Recommended age of the players for this game is 8 years and up.
1800’s Era
This board game is based in the early 1800’s Era, and it is the time of immense construction and renovation of the region. Players both work in pairs and collect the tiles from redesigning two different cities or work solo for the same purpose.
Playing Duration
The playing time of this board game is 20 minutes. This builds the excitement as the players try their best to win the game by scoring more scores.
Board Dimensions
The board dimensions of this game are 10 x 2 x 10 inches. These are excellent dimension measurements as the board’s print is clear, and players easily build their towns by placing the cards at the right spots.
- Cooperative game
- Players can play as partners as well as solo.
- Interesting theme
- Players quest to win the game by building cities.
- Short playing time
- The game has not a very attractive design.
Why should you buy this?
Players learn to cooperate while playing this game as they build the cities together and compete against other players.
05- R&D Games Keyflower Board Game
This game is recommended for 6 players. Each player starts with a team of workers who upgrade tiles and generate resources. Matching colored workers add tiles to the players’ villages. Its unique theme and brilliant quality are considered one of the best city building board games. Read its features to get more information about this product.
Features
- Each player starts the game with a team of workers who work for that player.
- Same colored workers are used to bid tiles that they add to the players’ village. Workers also upgrade tiles and generate resources.
- Players are allowed to use tiles from different villages along with their own.
- First three rounds of the game involve three seasons; spring, summer, and autumn.
- Weight of this board game is 2.89 pounds.
- Recommended age of players for this board game is 13 years and up.
- Dimensions of the board game are 12 x 9 x 3 inches.
- 64 hexagonal tiles for different variations are included in the package.
- This board game is recommended for 2 to 6 players.
- Player whose workers and village generate the most victory points wins the game.
Assigned Workers
Players in this board game are assigned workers who work in villages and generate resources for the player. The player whose workers score the most victory point wins the game.
Game Package
The package includes 64 hexagonal tiles for different variations. Players choose these tiles for auction. Each tile offers victory points for various combinations of skills, workers, and resources.
Recommended Age
Recommended age of players for this board game is 13 years and up, but people of all age groups can play this game. It is an exciting game that is very easy to learn and play.
- Great theme
- 64 hexagonal tiles
- Builds competition among the players
- Light in weight
- Perfect Dimensions
- The danger of small parts being swallowed by kids under 3 years
Why should you buy this?
It is recommended for 13-year-olds and older people. It does not have any complicated rules, so people love playing it.
06- Le Havre Board Game
This board game is based on the south coast of the English Channel, situated in France’s Normandy region. Le Havre, the gateway to Europe, lies here. In this game, each player vies to become the preeminent shipping magnate and outshine their competitors. 1 to 5 players play this game and the playing time of this game is 30 to 150 minutes.
Features
- This board game is recommended for 1 to 5 players.
- Playing time of this game lasts between 30 to 150 minutes.
- Recommended age of players for this game is ten years and up.
- This board game is easily portable due to being light in weight.
- Game weighs only 2.93 pounds.
- Dimensions of this board game are 11.6 x 2.8 x 11.6 inches.
- Genre of this board game is strategy.
- Players vie and compete with each other to become preeminent shipping magnates.
- Players build their cities, generate resources and feed their workers.
- The one who wins the most money wins the game.
Game Plot
The game is based on the South Coast of the English Channel, where players vie to become the most preeminent shipping magnate and compete with other players. They collect the money, and the one who collects the most money is the winner.
Game Weight
This game is recommended for 10-year-olds and older kids. It is light in weight so the young players can carry it easily. It weighs only 2.93 pounds, so it is easily portable.
Board Dimensions
The dimensions of this board game are 11.6 x 2.8 x 11.6 inches. It does not mess up the print, and players move their tiles and place the cards conveniently.
- Interesting Plot.
- Great Dimensions.
- Competitive and engaging game.
- Players learn to cooperate.
- Portable.
- Should be kept away from 3-year-olds due to small parts.
Why should you buy this?
This is an exciting and very cooperative game based on a fascinating plot. It is a fun game that lasts for 30 to 150 minutes.
Buyers Guide for Best City Building Board Games
In this article, we discussed in detail about 6 best city building board games. We mentioned their features, pros, cons, and why you should buy them. City building board games are a great source of fun and entertainment, and they are pretty easy to purchase. They are also not very expensive either. You can order them online or buy them from any sports store.
We ordered our city-building board games from Amazon. Besides deciding where to purchase these board games, there are a few key points you should keep in mind while buying the city-building board games. Due to the large variety of board games, customers find it confusing to decide on one game to buy. So we have compiled a list of the points you should remember. These include:
What exactly do you want?
If you are purchasing the city building board game for your kids, you should ask them about the game’s theme and storyline that they like. These board games come in lots of different themes that are based on novels or video games. Knowing what your child wants will help you pick the same game, and you won’t have to worry about getting it exchanged. If you are buying the game for yourself, the same rules apply there as well. Just have a clear picture of what you need, and it will save you time.
Playing time
Playing time is different for different games. Some have a short playing duration of only 20 or 30 minutes, while some last for a relatively long time. Short playing times benefit players from getting bored quickly, and many players can take turns easily. However, in the case of more extended playing periods, more patience is required. One more thing about longer-duration games is that they have complex rules that not all players learn quickly. Players often get tired, too, as the games that last for more than 1 hour require commitment. So depending on the player’s taste, you can buy a game accordingly.
Number of Players
Depending on the group of players who want to play the city building board games, you can choose a suitable board game. Most of these games are recommended for 1 to 4 players. However, some have the capacity for 8 players too. But it is not compulsory that 8 players must play a game of 8 players. A lesser number of players can play it too. So if you have kids who occasionally invite friends over to play a city-building board game, you can buy a game that 7 or 8 players can play. And you can play the game on other days with 2 or 3 players only.
Recommended Age
It is also essential to keep in mind the player’s age for which you want to buy the city-building board game. Most of these games have small figures and other game parts, keeping these games away from kids younger than 3 years for safety purposes. Toddlers often swallow the small figures, and it leads to an emergency. However, board games for different age groups, whether pre-teens or mid-teens, are widely available.
Few other things that you should consider are the price range of the product. If you are purchasing the board game from a sports store, you can get plenty of information from the box description. You can ask the additional questions from the salesman. However, if you decide to order online, do not forget to read the customer’s reviews as they are people’s honest opinions.
What is Cities: Skylines?
Cities: Skylines is a city-building board game that was developed in 2015 by Colossal Order. Paradox Interactive published this game. The exciting part about this game is that it is a single-player game, and it is also an open-ended board game. Players control zoning, road replacement, public services, taxation, and public transportation of the area and in this way, they also control the urban planning of their region.
What are Tableau Building Games and Engine Building Board Games?
Tableau building board games are a bit complicated to describe. In this game, a player usually has an area where the cards are added to enhance the players’ available actions. It can also be used to improve the area or resources throughout the game. In the case of tableau’s gaming, very little interaction is observed between the players. In the case of engine building games, the players build engines of different kinds. Just as an engine ensures that the rider rides faster in speed, game engines are introduced to make specific tasks more manageable. Typically the engine helps gather resources and converts things into points.
My Recommendation
In this article, we reviewed the 6 best city building board games in detail. These games have outstanding quality and affordable prices, but our personal favorite is the Suburbia Board Game of the Brand Bézier Games Store. This board game costs only $69.95, and it is an excellent game, including adventure and building for 1 to 4 players.
- Build the city of your dreams with a boardgame that feels a lot like SimCity
- Each player creates their own city, one building tile at a time
- Dozens of different building tiles that all interact with each other
- The resulting cities tell a story, from run down abandoned towns to thriving metropolises
- 1-4 players, Ages 13 and up
Last Words
We reviewed the 6 best city building board games for people looking to buy these games but have no idea where to buy them. We mentioned the sources of purchase and also described the 6 top products in detail. We are hopeful you will find this article helpful in this regard. Let us know in the comments which game you are going to buy. Thank you for reading!
Veronica is a Green Bay-based freelance writer and editor with extensive experience with board games. When not busy scribbling her thoughts, you might find her in her garden, hiking out in the woods, or exploring new food joints.
Veronica is a die-hard board game and chess hobbyist by night. She likes to try out new games and is always on the lookout to recruit new players for her game night (so beware!). When not playing board games or throwing darts, she is usually busy painting miniatures (or doing other nerdy stuff).
She is the CEO & Content Writer of Indoor Games Zone. She shares her expertise from years of playing chess, board games, and darts.
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
