Lowlands
Official Description:
Lowlands is set in a region of the Netherlands where the land is constantly threatened by the sea. Players take on the roles of farmers working to develop their own farms while also contributing to the construction and maintenance of dikes that protect the land from flooding. The game presents a balance between personal gain and communal responsibility, as players must decide how much effort to invest in their own farms versus the shared dike.
Throughout the game, players use worker placement and resource management mechanics to expand their farms, raise sheep, and improve their infrastructure. At the same time, they must cooperate to build and reinforce the dike, as failure to do so can result in flooding that affects all players. The tension between self-interest and group effort is a central theme, with the potential for both competition and collaboration.
Ultimately, Lowlands challenges players to find the optimal strategy for balancing their individual objectives with the needs of the community. The outcome of the game is influenced by both the success of each player's farm and the collective ability to keep the sea at bay, making for a dynamic and engaging experience.
Worker placement in Lowlands is a knife’s edge—every action is a calculation between personal farm growth and the looming threat of the sea. The tension isn’t just mechanical; it’s visible as the dike physically rises (or fails) at the center of the table. The “Sheep vs. Sea” scoring twist means every player’s priorities can flip in an instant, and the semi-cooperative layer keeps everyone watching each other’s moves. This one’s been hitting the table regularly because it rewards sharp timing and group reading—veteran players appreciate how the dike’s fate is always in play, and the scoring pivot keeps even experienced groups on their toes.
Setup is straightforward but not trivial—expect about 15 minutes to get everything sorted, especially if you’re bagging player pieces for efficiency. The box is well-sized for the contents, and the utilitarian artwork keeps the focus on the board state rather than distractions. Once the dike starts to build, the game commands real table presence, so plan for a main event slot rather than a filler. With a 100-minute session time, it’s best as the anchor of a game night, not something you squeeze in between lighter fare.
Teaching Lowlands is a procedural affair—budget 20 minutes for a full rules rundown, especially to clarify worker value thresholds and the minimums for tile actions. The dike vs. sheep scoring pivot is non-negotiable; if players miss how the flood track can flip the game, you’ll spend the rest of the session fielding questions. Once underway, the high friction between players means you can’t fully walk away—expect table talk, negotiation, and the occasional heated debate as the dike teeters. The payoff is a room that stays engaged and invested, with the physical dike serving as a constant reminder that every decision matters. For groups that thrive on tension and shared stakes, it’s a rewarding challenge.
Category
Tactical & Strategy
My score
8
Our Total Plays
14
Last PLayed
09 Nov 25
🚀 High Velocity
Player Count
2-4
Playtime
100 mins
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