Discworld: Ankh-Morpork*
Discworld: Ankh-Morpork is a board game designed by Martin Wallace and Treefrog Games, set in the imaginative universe of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, specifically in its largest city-state, Ankh-Morpork. The game captures the essence of the Discworld novels with its thematic elements and diverse characters.
Gameplay Overview
- Setting: Based in Ankh-Morpork, a significant city in the Discworld series.
- Hidden Objectives: Each player has a secret personality with unique victory conditions, creating uncertainty about others' goals.
- City Control: Players vie for control of the city amidst Lord Vetinari's disappearance.
Game Mechanics
- Map-Based Play: The game is played on a map of Ankh-Morpork, where players strategically place minions and buildings.
- Card Play: Utilizes a deck of 132 unique cards featuring prominent characters from the Discworld novels.
- Action Choices: Cards typically offer multiple actions, with players choosing how many and which ones to execute.
Gameplay Dynamics
- Simple Rules: The core mechanism is straightforward β play a card and follow its instructions.
- Action Chaining: Some cards allow the playing of additional cards, enabling combos and extended turns.
- Artistic Representation: The game features artwork that brings the city and its inhabitants to life.
Production and Availability
- Art Team: Coordinated by Bernard Pearson, a team of artists developed the game's visual elements.
- Licensing: The game has been sublicensed to Mayfair Games for North American distribution and Kosmos for the German market.
Conclusion
Discworld: Ankh-Morpork offers a blend of strategic gameplay, thematic depth, and narrative-driven objectives. It appeals to fans of the Discworld series and board game enthusiasts who enjoy games with hidden goals, map control, and character-driven mechanics. The game's simple yet engaging gameplay, combined with its rich thematic content, makes it a captivating experience for both casual and avid gamers.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.
- π₯ 2 - 4 Players
- β±οΈ 60 Minutes
- π§ 11+ years old
- π§© Easy to learn
We like Discworld: Ankh-Morpork so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 13 in Best games released at SPIEL 2011 in Essen
- Position 13 in The Best Card Games of the Year 2011 in Comparison
- Position 1 in The best games from Martin Wallace π¬π§π¨
- Position 25 in The best games released in 2011π
- Position 17 in The best games where you know nothing about the role of partners or opponents
- Position 27 in The best games with irregular and/or unpredictable events
- Position 6 in The favorite games of Cami
*