Along with prestige and great wealth comes a life of many splendors. That is precisely the basis for this Rennaissance-themed game.
Players are merchants collecting gems to turn into crystals, eventually gaining the respect of nobility. Spendor is a straightforward game. Every turn, there are three options: gather gems, reserve a card, or buy a card. Different cards earn prestige points and the first player to 15 wins.
Many strategies can get you a win, but it is based on developing resources. Decisions made early impact what you can do later. So think ahead – and use those gems just right!
Splendor has a simple setup and is easy to learn after watching a couple of rounds. The artwork keeps your attention, and the durable gems resemble poker chips. Overall, it’s a family-friendly game of racing, choices, and resource management.
If you’re looking for similar games, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to decide which of these 5 games like Splendor you should add to your collection.
5 Games Like Splendor
Jaipur
Players: 2
Playing time: 30 minutes
You are once again merchants! However, you are in Jaipur this time, vying to be the only one allowed into Maharaja’s court.
The layout and turn-taking are similar to Splendor. Jaipur is a game of collecting and using commodities and cards, trading up for higher value. Each turn, you get a few options: take, sell, or trade cards. Points are counted at the end of a round. Then, the game is reset – giving both players an equalizer – and hopefully a chance to catch up.
Jaipur is a two-person game with low player interaction. However, you play from the same marketplace. So whatever you take and sell will affect what’s available to the other merchant. The player with the most points wins in this game of luck and strategy, so race your opponent to get there first!
Jaipur is a good game for those who enjoy Splendor’s overall mechanics but want something lighter for a two-player game night.
Century: Spice Road
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 30-45 minutes
Travel back to medieval times along the Spice Road! Harvest spices, create trade routes, and make trades to earn as many points as possible.
Trading elements resemble that of Splendor, but with spices. Gather a certain amount of spices to trade for cards. Cards enable better actions. However, you may have to rest around to gather all the cards back into your hand to complete one.
Century: Spice Road moves quickly and requires resource management like Splendor. The gameplay is more involved – there are more options and actions, and you’ll need to manage your hand well to travel this trade route successfully.
So if you’re looking for a similar game with a bit more strategy, take a trip down the Spice Road!
Shifting Stones
Players: 1-5
Playing time: 20 minutes
Shifting Stones is a quick-playing puzzle and tile placement game. The board and tiles are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing – much like the colorful Splendor layout.
Turns move quickly. Players hold cards in their hands with target tile arrangements. Moving one tile per turn, aim to complete cards for points. But there’s a catch! You must discard one card each move. Your opportunities dwindle with each go, so use logic and strategy to get the most points possible.
Shifting Stones is an excellent choice if you want another fast, family-friendly game. The rules are super easy to learn, so you can jump right in. However, working against shifty players on an ever-changing board will keep you challenged!
Archaeology: The New Expedition
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 20 minutes
In Archaeology: The New Expedition, players are archaeologists working to make the highest profit possible. The artifacts you uncover can be sold to the museums, but first – you must find them!
The gameplay is similar to Splendor in that it involves getting cards and choosing from limited actions. Each turn, dig for treasure from the stack of cards. Then select from exploring, trading, or selling.
Both games are about collecting sets to score more points. Player interaction is primarily indirect. Watch your opponents’ plays and beat them to that targeted artifact, or play a thief card and steal it straight from their hand.
If you’re a fan of Splendor’s overall mechanics, this archaeology expedition is for you!
Azul
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 30-45 minutes
Create the most beautiful mosaic this side of Europe!
Azul is a strategy and tile placement game. Set collection is key, but instead of cards, you are collecting tiles to place in a specific order on your personal wall. Points are awarded for the order of tiles with an end-of-game bonus. However, it’s more challenging than meets the eye. Tiles move at the end of the round, and unused pieces count against you.
One attraction to Azul is its satisfying tiles and individual boards. Like Splendor, it’s simple to learn and a great game to introduce to newbies or on family game night.
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of 5 games like Splendor! This economic set collection game is an absolute classic that only gets more fun the more you play. If you want to change up the theme or mechanics, however, these games offer some excellent playing experiences.
If you enjoy any of these games, we just know you’ll also love: 7 Wonders, Kingdomino, Patchwork, Sagrada, and Wingspan. Let us know in the comments what you think! We’d love to hear from you.
Cheryl is a teacher, writer, and board game fan. She likes incorporating games into all areas of her life, from classrooms and family nights to lively parties with friends. While she’s played too many to count, her favorites have always been classics like Codenames and chess.