7 Best Caravan Trading Games of 2024 Reviewed
Embark on an adventure across desert sands with our top picks for caravan trading board games. We searched high and low, played through countless hours, and laughed till our sides hurt. Our criteria? Fun mechanics, engaging strategies, and a touch of historical charm. These games aren’t just about trading goods; they’re about the journey, the tactics, and the joy of building your own trade empire. If you’re new to the world of caravan trading, buckle up for a wild ride. It’s time to load your camels and hit the road to trading glory!
On this list:
7 Jaipur
Jaipur is a great two-player game that gets you right into the world of caravan trading. The game is simple yet strategic. You gather goods and sell them for rupees. But, plot twist! You gotta balance quick sales with waiting for better rewards. It’s a fast-paced game with camels, lots of camels. We found it entertaining and easy to play even for a quick session.
6 Century: Spice Road
Century: Spice Road makes you feel like a master trader. The game involves collecting and trading spices to fulfill demands. It’s simple to get started, but the depth of strategy makes it rewarding. The components are top-notch and it’s a favorite when we want something straightforward but engaging.
5 Marrakech
In Marrakech, you are a rug merchant who tries to outsmart others. The game is visually stunning with woven rugs and a charming design. You roll a die and place your rugs on a market grid, hoping others land on them and pay you. It’s simple, but it’s cut-throat enough to keep us on our toes!
4 The Voyages of Marco Polo
The Voyages of Marco Polo lets you retrace the steps of the great explorer himself. This game is full of caravan trading and fulfilling contracts across Asia. The dice-rolling and action selection keeps it fresh. We love the historical flavor and the clever mix of luck and strategy.
3 Yspahan
Yspahan transports you to the markets of Persia. You send goods to various caravanserais and build structures in the city. It’s fast-paced and each player has their own strategy. The game is always different thanks to dice rolls and market card draws. We enjoy the variety it offers.
2 Targi
Targi is another two-player gem involving caravan trading. You and your opponent are Tuareg tribe leaders trading in the desert. It’s a balancing act of resources and tribe expansions. The game offers a ton of strategic depth for its size. We love its unique gameplay and replayability.
1 Five Tribes
Five Tribes is the ultimate caravan trading game in our book. Set in the ancient Arabian world, you maneuver tribesmen to gain control of lands. The game is rich in tactics and has a lot of replay value. The components are stunning, and the game offers so many different paths to victory. We love the complexity and depth it provides, making it the best on our list.