Pioneer Days

Draft dice to build a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, but the dice you leave behind bring disasters.

Designers: Matthew Dunstan, Chris Marling
Published by: Tasty Minstrel Games
Editions by: sternenschimmermeer, Atalia, Doit Games, Sylex, Fentasy Games

Get your wagon train to the end of the Oregon Trail, and mind the dice you do not pick. In Pioneer Days, each round you pull dice from a bag, roll them and take turns drafting. The ones you choose gather townsfolk, wagons, gold and equipment, while the ones left on the table are a warning: storms, disease, raids and famine strike according to what remains. You can hire townsfolk, buy wagons, pan for gold and take on cattle, but you also have to prepare for the disasters or pay for them. It feels a bit like the classic Oregon Trail video game with real choices, about seventy-five minutes for two to four.

Dice from a bag, drafted in turnsLeftover dice trigger disastersTownsfolk, wagons, gold and cattle

Who it's for

You like dice drafting with a nostalgic Oregon Trail theme and clever risk management, for three or four.

Not for you if…

You want a gentle, low-stakes game, or you dislike luck from dice draws.

Vibe's take

Tense drafting with a nagging worry: every die you skip might hurt you later. Planning ahead for the next storm or raid feels just as important as grabbing the best option.