Pharaon

A worker-placement game in ancient Egypt where a central wheel decides which resources open which actions.

Designers: Sylas, Henri Pym
Published by: Catch Up Games
Editions by: Pegasus Spiele, MINDOK, Frosted Games, Bard Centrum Gier, Blackrock Games, Arrakis Games, Geronimo Games, Engames, Studio Supernova

You are one of Pharaoh's children, and like your brothers and sisters you spend a big part of your life preparing for the journey to the Afterlife. You win the support of loyal nobles and talented artisans, build a magnificent burial chamber and make offerings to the gods, who watch every move and will weigh your heart in the end. The clever part is the Wheel of Actions at the center of the board: five areas surround it, and each round the wheel decides which resource you must spend to use which action, then it turns a segment. Worker placement and resource management in one mechanism. Plays solo or up to five.

A central Wheel of ActionsWorker placement and resources in oneSolo mode and variable setup

Who it's for

You like mid-weight Euros with an elegant central mechanism, and you want a good ancient Egypt theme that works solo or with a group.

Not for you if…

You want a direct clash or a purely relaxed experience. The wheel makes you plan each round carefully.

Vibe's take

Neat, puzzly and satisfyingly tight. The turning wheel forces you to plan around what each segment will ask for next, and everything feels like preparing for a glorious afterlife.