Hokkaido is a strategic card game focused on map-building and terrain management, set in the Japanese region of Hokkaido. It is a sequel to the game Honshu, offering greater depth and removing the auction mechanism that was present in its predecessor.
In the game, players take on the roles of nobles expanding northward into the mountainous landscapes of Hokkaido. The aim is to make the most of the available terrain—mountains, lakes, forests, factories, farms, and deserts—and to build the most efficient and visually pleasing landscape.
Hokkaido is a card-based map-building game. Each player begins with six cards, then in each round chooses one to add to their map. Each card consists of six terrain squares. Players can place cards above or below existing ones, allowing for a wide variety of combinations.
Terrain Scoring:
- Mountains must be connected to form a “backbone” of the map.
- Lakes are worth more points, but the first spaces do not score.
- Factories, farms, forests, and deserts each have their own specific scoring rules.
All players select and place cards simultaneously, which keeps the gameplay fast-paced. After the first round, a new set of six cards is dealt, followed by a second round. At the end, points are totaled.
If you enjoy composition, aesthetics, and strategic planning, Hokkaido is an excellent choice—especially for fans of Japanese culture and calm, yet clever games. 🏞️
