Ex Libris*

Ex Libris is a strategic board game that immerses players in the role of book collectors in a bustling gnomish village, all vying for the coveted position of Grand Librarian. This game combines elements of resource management, worker placement, and collection building, set in a whimsical fantasy world where players compete to create the most impressive personal library.

Gameplay Overview

  • Role as Book Collectors: Players are collectors of rare books, aiming to become the Grand Librarian.
  • Library Expansion: Send assistants to acquire valuable books and expand your personal library.
  • Competitive Book Acquisition: Race against fellow collectors to obtain the finest books from limited sources.

Game Mechanics

  • Assistant Deployment: Utilize your assistants strategically to gather books from various locations in the village.
  • Library Curation: Organize and manage your book collection based on specific criteria and requirements.
  • Preparation for Inspection: Ready your library for the Mayor’s Official Inspector's evaluation.

Winning the Game

  • Inspector’s Checklist: Your library will be judged on criteria like shelf stability, alphabetical order, and variety.
  • Avoiding Banned Books: Be cautious of including books that the Council has banned.
  • Strategic Planning: Use careful planning and tactics to build the most impressive library.

Conclusion

Ex Libris offers a delightful and engaging experience for players who enjoy building collections and strategic planning. The theme of competing to become the Grand Librarian adds a charming twist to the worker placement and resource management genre. Players must cleverly deploy their assistants, curate their book collections, and outmaneuver their competitors to impress the Inspector and achieve the prestigious title of Grand Librarian. With its unique theme, strategic depth, and whimsical setting, Ex Libris promises a captivating adventure in the world of rare book collecting.

Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

  • 1 - 4 Players
  • 45 Minutes
  • 10+ years old
  • Medium difficulty

Video reviews, ratings, Let's Plays and tests for Ex Libris

  • YouTube Review for the game "Ex Libris" by Shut Up & Sit Down
    Video is in English

We like Ex Libris so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024

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