Board games - The whole Carcassonne family

Carcassonne: the most famous of tile games

You're probably familiar with the city of Carcassonne for its medieval fortifications. This board game was released in 2000. It's based on an era filled with history and a medieval city with a fantastic allure.

Games last around 35 minutes, from 2 to 5 players aged 8 and over. Set out to conquer the famous city of Carcassonne. Between landscapes, towns and unexpected paths. Try to take control of the territory of this medieval city.

Carcassonne is best known for winning the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2001. This global phenomenon has been translated into 25 languages and sold over 10 million copies.It is one of the world's best-known strategy games.

How do you play Carcassonne? What are the rules?

This board game takes the form of tiles. They depict various types of scenery: towns, fields and monasteries. Using the principle of dominoes, you assemble them while maintaining the coherence of the landscapes represented on the tiles. At the start of the game, players place the Carcassonne river in the center of the table: these are the starting landscape tiles.

Carcassonne is a placement game. For each new tile positioned on the playing field, you can place one of your supporters on it. It then changes his identity: a peasant, a bandit, a monk or a knight.

Players compete on the same field, with plenty of interaction. If you're looking for an interactive game, Carcassonne is the place for you.

In order to win the game, your objective is simple: to have the maximum number of points at the end of the game.

To increase your chances of recognition in Carcassonne, rely on your supporters. The best strategy is to position them in strategic locations. This could be in major cities, on long roads or in vast fields.

Note: each profession earns you different points, so it's up to you to identify the opportunities available to you.

Carcassonne's must-have extensions

• Auberges et Cathédrales is an expansion pack that adds two new elements to the base game. Roadside inns and city cathedrals. You'll also have the opportunity to play with a 6th player.
• Marchands et Bâtisseurs allows you to enrich your interactions. Get merchandise, gain advantages with the Builder counter and raise pigs to maximize your points.

Carcassonne's original extensions: "Moutons et Collines" and "Tous en piste".

• Moutons et Collines will be especially fun if you like risks and surprises. The hills give you bonuses when you control them. Le Berger introduces a Stop or Encore mechanic.
• Tous en piste is an expansion based on the Circus theme and will bring a touch of fantasy to your games! Form pyramids of artists to score maximum points.

Carcassonne's competitive extensions: Princesse et Dragon et La Tour.

These are two frontal, more "warlike" extensions.

• Immerse yourself in fantastic Carcassonne with Princesse et Dragon. The dragon burns everything in its path, and magic portals help you position your followers. To win, make sure you have the support of the Fairy.
• La Tour transports you to a real battlefield. Build a tower and capture opposing partisans to collect points. If you like negotiation and challenge, this is the expansion for you.

Other extensions in Carcassonne

• Maires et Monastères adds new supporters: the mayor, the barn and the wagon. With a wide choice of pawns and new tactics.
• Ponts, Forteresses et Bazars provides additional play modules and new infrastructure.
• Comte, Roi et Brigand includes 4 small expansions, including new locations, new rivers and new ways to earn points.

Carcasonne Big Box

This is the ideal starter kit for Carcassonne. The Big Box includes the base game and 11 expansions, including the indispensable Auberges et Cathédrales and Marchands et Bâtisseurs.

Mon Premier Carcassonne: to play with children aged 4 and over

Mon Premier Carcassonne is a children's version to introduce the little ones to Carcassonne. You'll be able to visit the Carcassonne region in the Middle Ages in a redesigned version.

Set out now to conquer Carcassonne. It's your turn to play!