86

Clans of Caledonia is an economic Eurogame where players represent historic clans with unique abilities. They compete to produce, trade, and export agricultural goods and, of course, whisky, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Scotland.

86

The Verdict

based on 26 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Unique and asymmetric clan powers that provide distinct strategic paths and a sense of empowerment.
Streamlined rules and gameplay compared to other heavy Eurogames, making it relatively easier to learn and play.
Engaging economic system with a dynamic market and satisfying production chains.
High replayability fostered by variable round scoring objectives, a modular map, and diverse clan abilities.
Excellent production quality featuring vibrant artwork and charming wooden components.
Some critics find it derivative of other popular economic Eurogames, particularly "Terra Mystica", and occasionally less interesting than its inspirations.
Rewards for fulfilling certain contracts may not feel immediately gratifying, which can impact player momentum.
The game can feel like a "points salad" with many scoring avenues, potentially making it difficult to discern optimal strategies early on.
Certain clan abilities may seem less powerful or balanced than others, and a tight economy can lead to brutal financial constraints.
95
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Like Us, AJ KeyArticle

Clans of Caledonia is a satisfyingly deep, fast-playing economic euro-style game with variable clans, clever market mechanics, and great replayability, despite minor component size issues.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Boardgame MechanicsVideo

Clans of Caledonia is an exceptional and masterfully designed economic strategy game that blends familiar mechanics into a fresh and engaging experience, offering deep strategy and high replayability.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Man vs Meeple, Jeremy Salinas and David Waybright (Man vs Meeple)Video

Man vs Meeple highly praises "Clans of Caledonia," calling it one of their favorite games of the year. They highlight its finished quality, depth, and replayability, noting its engaging euro-style gameplay and unique take on market interaction.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Spotlight, Tom VaselVideo

Tom Vasel highly recommends Clans of Caledonia, praising its deep strategic gameplay, high replayability through unique asymmetric clan abilities, and engaging indirect player interaction, despite some minor component issues.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board 'N' BonesArticleTop List – #1

Clans of Caledonia is an engaging engine-building game featuring historical Scottish clans, tight financial management, and clever market manipulation. The reviewer loves its rewarding board placements and dynamic contract scoring system.

See list
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dice Tower, Ryan MetzlerVideo

Tom Vasel reviews the economic strategy board game Clans of Caledonia, where players manage resources, expand their Scottish clans, and fulfill contracts over five rounds to earn victory points. The game features variable player powers, market manipulation, and area control elements.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Hot Takes, Economic Board GamesVideo

The video provides an in-depth overview of Clans of Caledonia, presenting it as a heavy complexity economic game set in the Scottish Highlands that has become a modern classic through its mechanics of producing, trading, and exporting goods.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gaming Rules!, Paul GroganVideo

Paul Grogan of Gaming Rules! offers a thorough tutorial for 'Clans of Caledonia,' indicating it is a highly regarded and intricate economic strategy game that is worthwhile for players to learn.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Bellhop, Moe TousignantVideo

This video offers a review of Clans of Caledonia, detailing its economic strategy gameplay where players expand their Scottish clans, manage resources, and engage in trade and export to gain victory points. It highlights the game's components and mechanics, often drawing comparisons to other prominent Eurogames.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
No Pun Included, No Pun IncludedVideo

The reviewer praises 'Clans of Caledonia' as a highly engaging and well-designed economic Eurogame, appreciating its strategic depth, elegant mechanics, and polished gameplay experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Boardgame Detective, JeremyArticle

Clans of Caledonia offers an engaging, streamlined economic engine-building experience inspired by Terra Mystica, featuring satisfying tile placement and a dynamic market. Despite some clunky end-game pacing and minor component size issues, it remains a highly enjoyable top-tier game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine, Matt JarvisArticle

Clans of Caledonia brilliantly blends familiar Eurogame mechanics like engine-building and resource trading into a smooth, highly replayable experience featuring distinct, asymmetric clans.

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