LORDS OF WATERDEEP (2012)

PLAYERS	TIME	DESIGNER	PUBLISHER
2-5	60 mins	Peter Lee Rodney THompson	Wizards Of The Coast

This is a game where players are using the various locations around the Sword Coast city of Waterdeep to hire adventurers to their cause and use them to complete quests.

Each quest card has a specific criteria like a number of the four adventurer types, and perhaps a little coin on the side too.

Worker Placement is easily my favourite gaming mechanic, but we arrived at Waterdeep backwards, taking in games like CAYLUS 1303 and RAIDERS OF THE NORTH SEA before discovering this 2012 gem.

The city starts with a few locations available to all, and it can be easy to be blocked out of the right adventurers you need. But over time, players can add locations around the sides of the map. These offer extra spaces, and if you own it, you’ll get a bonus even if another player goes there.

LORDS OF WATERDEEP is a smooth Worker Placement game. It doesn’t have too many deep mechanics (though there is an expansion that offers more to do) so turns can move quickly. Players know what they’re after. And the Quest market doesn’t get clogged up as it can be easily refreshed.

As you can see from the photos, we’re in the process of deluxifying our copy. We have the metal coins, as well as some Adventurer Meeples to replace the cubes, and some more detailed Agent Meeples too. It’s a delight to get this to the table.

There aren’t many negatives here. Some gamers may get put off by the D&D theme, though you need no prior knowledge to enjoy it.

And with developments in Worker Placement, I guess some would find it a step back in design.

Despite its vintage, LORDS OF WATERDEEP is still one of the best Worker Placement games available. From its unique box and classic art, to its evolving board and ease of play, I’m always happy to play this one.