- BGG rank
- BGG #3,949
- BGG rating
- 7.0
Leader 1
- 2–10 players
- 90–150 min
- Complexity 2.5/5
- 2008
- BGG rank
- BGG #4,229
- BGG rating
- 7.7
Leader 1: Hell of the North
2011
Rules assistance for Leader 1: Hell of the North
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–10 players
- 45 min
- 14+
- Complexity 2.7/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Leader 1: Hell of the North
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Leader 1: Hell of the North is a board game released in 2011 for 2–10 players, 45 minutes per game, and ages 14 and up. It was designed by Alain Ollier and Christophe Leclercq and its main mechanics are Race, Modular Board, and Simulation.
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About the game
Originally announced as an extension of Leader 1, Leader 1: Hell of the North has since transformed into a standalone game, albeit one in which the components can be used in the original game from whence this one came. Game play is similar to that in the original game: "Each of the teams includes different types of cyclists. Every cyclist enjoys the benefits of a free base movement which varies according to his specialty and according to the hexagon at the beginning of his movement. After this kind of movement every racer can add a paying movement. Therefore, the race is based on the riders' energy management: initially the riders are all inside the peloton, where it is easier to save energy, but then they will have to find the proper moment to break away to open the definitive gap ahead of the peloton." "Hell of the North" is a slang term for a one-day bicycle race originally from Paris to Roubaix that includes many sections of cobbled roads, sections that often lead to damaged bikes, falls and unexpected race results. A mix of new terrain, including cobblestoned sections, is included in the game with forty new tracks on twenty hexagonal tiles. New miniatures are included that match the size of those in the original game, and the game includes "new rider characteristics", according to Ghenos' Alfredo Genovese, to go with the miniatures. While game play is similar to that of the original game, the rules have been revised and updated. Re-implements: Leader 1 Giro d'Italia: The game
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Ghenos Games
- HomoLudicus
- The Game Master BV
- Blackrock Games
Questions and answers
Leader 1: Hell of the North supports 2–10 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 Leader 1: Hell of the North is 45 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 Leader 1: Hell of the North 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.
Leader 1: Hell of the North has a complexity rating of 2.7 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light 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.
Leader 1: Hell of the North belongs to these categories: Racing and Sports. Its main mechanics are Race, Modular Board, and Simulation. 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 Leader 1: Hell of the North are: Alain Ollier and Christophe Leclercq. 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 Leader 1: Hell of the North 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.