Zapotec
Build temples and pyramids in ancient Oaxaca, with one secret card deciding turn order and income.
- Designer
- Fabio Lopiano
- Published by
- Board&Dice
Zapotec (2022) takes you to Monte Albán, one of the first big cities of Mesoamerica and the heart of the Zapotec state in what is now Oaxaca. You build temples, cornfields and villages in the three valleys around the capital, and those buildings produce the resources you need for pyramids, sacrifices to the gods and rituals. Each round, everyone picks a card from their hand at the same time, and that single choice decides both turn order and the resources you collect. Area majority adds the pressure. A mid-weight strategy game of about 75 minutes, best with three, with a solo option for quiet evenings.
Who it's for
You enjoy mid-weight euros with a historical theme and a clever turn-order trade-off, and you often play with three.
Not for you if…
You want a light or very interactive game. It is a planning-focused euro, and the first rounds ask for some thinking.
Vibe's take
Thoughtful and steadily building. You weigh going early or collecting more, and then compete for control in the valleys.
Published 2022 · 4 years ago
newer than 67% of games
In 3,559 collections
collected more than 46% of games
1–4 players · ages 12+
Best with 3
60–75 min
longer than 71% of games · typical 30–90 min
Complexity: demanding
Takes some learning · 3.0 out of 5 · heavier than 83%
Opinions: broad agreement
Most people rate it similarly
Language: little text
A few terms, easy to look up
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