- BGG rank
- BGG #10,394
- BGG rating
- 7.3
18Rhl: Rhineland
- 3–6 players
- 240 min
- Complexity 3.7/5
- 2007
- BGG rank
- BGG #12,528
- BGG rating
- 7.5
18Rhl
2024
Rules assistance for 18Rhl
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–5 players
- 90–360 min
- 14+
- Complexity 4.0/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for 18Rhl
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
18Rhl is a board game released in 2024 for 2–5 players, 90–360 minutes per game, and ages 14 and up. It was designed by Wolfram Janich and its main mechanics are Auction / Bidding, Tile Placement, and Network and Route Building.
Similar games
- BGG rank
- BGG #12,901
- BGG rating
- 7.7
18Ruhr
- 3–6 players
- 300 min
- Complexity 4.0/5
- 2012
- BGG rank
- BGG #9,114
- BGG rating
- 7.3
18DO: Dortmund
- 2–5 players
- 180–360 min
- Complexity 4.0/5
- 2020
- BGG rank
- BGG #12,261
- BGG rating
- 7.2
1847: Pfalz
- 3–5 players
- 180 min
- Complexity 3.8/5
- 1990
- BGG rank
- BGG #320
- BGG rating
- 7.9
1830: Railways & Robber Barons
- 2–7 players
- 180–360 min
- Complexity 4.2/5
- 1986
- BGG rank
- BGG #718
- BGG rating
- 8.0
Shikoku 1889
- 2–6 players
- 180–240 min
- Complexity 3.8/5
- 2004
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,393
- BGG rating
- 8.2
1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties
- 1–8 players
- 120–300 min
- Complexity 4.6/5
- 2013
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,543
- BGG rating
- 7.6
18Chesapeake
- 2–6 players
- 150–210 min
- Complexity 3.8/5
- 2018
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,805
- BGG rating
- 8.6
1817
- 3–7 players
- 360–540 min
- Complexity 4.8/5
- 2010
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,885
- BGG rating
- 8.1
1849: The Game of Sicilian Railways
- 3–5 players
- 180 min
- Complexity 4.2/5
- 1998
- BGG rank
- BGG #2,187
- BGG rating
- 7.8
1860: Railways on the Isle of Wight
- 2–4 players
- 180–240 min
- Complexity 4.1/5
- 2004
- BGG rank
- BGG #2,201
- BGG rating
- 7.5
1856: Railroading in Upper Canada from 1856
- 3–6 players
- 300 min
- Complexity 4.3/5
- 1995
About the game
The games are based on Francis Treshams 18xx railway game system. Both games, 18Rhl-Rhineland (18Rhl) and 18LRA-Lower Rhine Area (18LRA) set in the western part of Germany. Most of the rules are the same for both games but they have different elements and therefore, provide different challenges. In 18Rhl, the crossing of the Rhine and running the Rheingold Express is important for successful play. It is suitable for 3 to 5 players and last between 3 and 4 hours. In 18LRA, the Rhine harbours are a key factor to victory. 2 to 4 player compete in a game that offers a shorter playing time than 18Rhl. Each game has a different map as well as a different set of private companies. The features of the latter give each game its special flavour. There are also rules for a ‘Short Game’ that can be played within one hour and a 2-player variant. —description from the designer
Designers
Publishers
- Fox in the Box
- Marflow Games
Questions and answers
18Rhl supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for 18Rhl is 90–360 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists 18Rhl for ages 14 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
18Rhl has a complexity rating of 4.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a heavy game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
18Rhl belongs to these categories: Economic and Trains. Its main mechanics are Auction / Bidding, Tile Placement, and Network and Route Building. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of 18Rhl are: Wolfram Janich. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists 18Rhl as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.