Mastering the Scottish Highlands: A Guide to Clans of Caledonia – Rules, Strategy, Tips

Introduction

Clans of Caledonia is a board game that takes you back to 19th-century Scotland. It has gameplay elements that dive in to farming, producing goods, and trading. The game is known for its economic strategy and depth, created by Juma Al-JouJou of Karma Games via a well-backed Kickstarter, and hit the shelves in 2017. Since then, it’s become a favorite for gamers who love strategy and resource management and has generally favorable reviews in well-known communities. I picked it up for myself, personally, since it links up with my own family’s Scottish heritage (Caledonia is another name for Scotland) and was not disappointed in the least.

The game is set during a time when Scotland was transitioning from an agricultural to an industrial nation, and players represent historic clans with unique abilities. The goal is to expand your territory, trade goods, and fulfill export contracts. It’s a game that requires planning and smart moves to win.

Clans of Caledonia has a really cool theme and mechanics. It’s often compared to other economic strategy games, but I find it stands out for its historical Scottish setting and the way it blends various game elements together. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore gamers.

Rules for playing Clans of Caledonia

Understanding the rules of Clans of Caledonia is key to enjoying the game. The game is played over five rounds, each consisting of various phases. Players will place workers, produce goods, trade, and fulfill contracts. Each action you take will cost you resources or money, and you’ll need to manage these carefully.

The game starts with each player choosing a clan. Each clan has special abilities that will influence your strategy. You’ll then take turns placing your workers on the board to claim land, which allows you to build structures and produce goods. There are different types of goods, like milk, wool, and bread, and you’ll need to figure out the best way to use or trade them.

Trading is a big part of the game. The market has a supply and demand system that affects prices. You’ll want to sell goods when the price is high and buy when it’s low. Fulfilling export contracts is another way to score points. These contracts require specific goods and give you bonuses when completed.

Money is also important in Clans of Caledonia. You’ll need it to buy land, trade goods, and expand your clan’s reach. At the end of the game, the player with the most points, which come from contracts, money, and other bonuses, wins the game.

Equipment and Setup for Clans of Caledonia

To play Clans of Caledonia, you’ll need the game box, which includes a large game board, various wooden pieces for goods, coins, and workers, and cardboard tiles for the different clans and structures. If you don’t have the game, you could make your own pieces, but it’s a lot of work.

The game board is a map of Scotland, divided into hexes. Each hex represents a different type of land, like mountains or fields. You’ll place your workers and buildings on these hexes to produce goods and expand your clan’s territory.

There are also tiles for the different structures you can build, like farms, distilleries, and bakeries. Each structure produces different goods, and you’ll need to think about the best places to build them.

How to Play Clans of Caledonia and Game Mechanics

Playing Clans of Caledonia involves several key mechanics:

1. Worker Placement: You’ll place workers on the board to claim land and resources.
2. Resource Management: You’ll need to manage your goods and money carefully to expand and trade effectively.
3. Market System: Buying and selling goods at the right time is crucial due to the fluctuating market.
4. Contract Fulfillment: Completing contracts gives you points and bonuses.

The game is set up by laying out the board and giving each player their clan tile and pieces. You’ll then place the market prices, prepare the contract tiles, and set up the goods and money.

Gameplay is divided into phases which I’ll break down for you:

Phases:

1. Action Phase: Take turns making a move until everyone decides to pass.
2. Production Phase: Get income from workers, produce basic goods, and create as many processed goods as you can or want.
3. Scoring Phase: Rack up Victory Points (VP) based on the current round’s scoring tile.
4. Clean-up Phase: Flip the scoring tile, refill the export board, and retrieve your merchants from the market board.

Actions:

1. Trade: Use your merchants to buy or sell a specific amount of goods.
2. Obtain a Contract: Pay the cost, choose a contract, and place it in your export slot.
3. Expand: Deploy a unit from your player board onto the map, paying the unit and space costs.
4. Shipping: Expand your naval reach across rivers and lochs.
5. Tech Upgrade: Spend money to upgrade a worker tech or hire a merchant.
6. Fulfill an Export Contract: Pay the required goods, move the import marker, and enjoy any immediate bonuses.
7. Pass: Move your turn order marker for a money bonus. No more actions for you this round.
8. Use a Port: A free action, but each port can only be used once per game.

Final Scoring:

• Glory: Earn 1 VP for each step on the glory track.
• Basic Goods: Get 1 VP for each basic good in your stock.
• Processed Goods: Score 2 VP for each processed good in your stock.
• Money: Grab 1 VP for every 10£; extra money doesn’t count.
• Hops: Score 1 VP for each hops imported from export contracts.
• Imported Goods: Earn 3, 4, or 5 VP based on rarity.
• Most Exports Bonus: Get VP for the most fulfilled contracts.
  • 3 or 4 players: 12 VP for the most, 6 VP for second most.
  • 2 players: 8 VP for the most only.
• Farm Scoring: Count farms within naval reach for VP.
  • 3–4 players: Most: 18 VP, Second-most: 12 VP, Third-most: 6 VP.
  • 2 players: Most: 12 VP, Second-most: 0 VP.

The game ends after five rounds, and the player with the most points wins.

How to Win at Clans of Caledonia

To win at Clans of Caledonia, you need a mix of short-term tactics and long-term strategy. Beginners should focus on understanding how the market works and how to fulfill contracts efficiently. Intermediate players can start to explore the unique abilities of different clans and how to use them to their advantage. Advanced players will need to master the art of adapting their strategy based on other players’ moves and the changing market.

Points can come from many sources, like money, goods, and fulfilling contracts. You’ll need to balance these to maximize your score. It’s also important to watch what other players are doing and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Best Strategies for playing Clans of Caledonia game

There are many ways to win at Clans of Caledonia, but some strategies are more effective than others. One key strategy is to focus on building a strong economy early in the game. This means getting good land for production and building the right structures.

Another strategy is to keep an eye on the contracts. Fulfilling contracts not only gives you points but also bonuses that can help you later in the game. You might also want to focus on your clan’s special abilities and build a strategy around them.

Sneaky tactics can also come into play. For example, you might buy goods you don’t need just to drive up the price for other players. Or you could fulfill a contract that you know another player is aiming for.

Scenarios

During the game, you might find yourself in a tough spot, like running low on money or goods. When this happens, you need to think creatively. Maybe you can sell some goods at a lower price to get the money you need, or maybe you can change your strategy to focus on different contracts.

On the other hand, if you’re doing well, you need to keep the pressure on. Keep expanding your territory, keep fulfilling contracts, and keep an eye on the market. You want to make sure you stay ahead of the other players.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Clans of Caledonia game

Here are some common questions and answers:

Q: Can I change my strategy in the middle of the game?
A: Yes, you can, but it might cost you. It’s best to have a flexible plan from the start.

Q: How important is it to watch other players?
A: Very important. You need to know what they’re up to so you can adapt your strategy.

Q: What if the market prices are not in my favor?
A: You might need to hold onto your goods until the price goes up or find other ways to get points.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips:

• Don’t forget about the end-of-game bonuses. They can make a big difference.
• Try to complete contracts that give you bonuses you can use right away.
• Keep an eye on the port tiles. They can give you extra points or bonuses.

External Links

For more information on Clans of Caledonia, check out these links:

• Clans of Caledonia Review [Video]
• Official Clans of Caledonia Website