2017 · Economic

18USA

A rail-empires stock-and-route game that uses the contiguous United States map and builds on the financial mechanisms of 1817. Players buy and operate private companies, invest in and run public railroads, and handle loans, mergers, and short selling while laying track and running trains for revenue. Setup randomizes several elements: the values of off-map areas, which 15 of 30 private companies are in play, and which major cities appear, creating a different strategic landscape each game. City subsidies and a modified train/export manifest change incentives for where and when companies form and expand.

groupPlayers

2–7 best 5

schedulePlaying time

420–540 min

cakeAge

16+

psychologyComplexity

4.6 / 5