
- BGG rank
- BGG #5,035
- BGG rating
- 6.2
504
- 2–4 players
- 30–120 min
- Complexity 3.5/5
- 2015

2013
Rules assistance for Old World New World
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Old World New World is a board game released in 2013 for 2–4 players, 20–30 minutes per game, and ages 13 and up. It was designed by Aaron Smith (I) and its main mechanics are Hand Management, Take That, and Point to Point Movement.
Weeks on board the ship have taken their toll on me; I haven’t been this light since I was a boy and I can barely stand up even now that we’re on solid land again. Despite that, the view from this beach is amazing; I never imagined anyplace could as wonderful or wild as this new world. Our journey inland begins tomorrow and all of my men are showing their nerves tonight; my hope is good rest will grant us the strength to make our claim and return home someday soon… In Old World New World, from designer Aaron Smith, you take command of explorers trying to find their destiny in a recently discovered land. The map is revealed as you play against up to three opponents, with each of you trying to shape the land to best benefit your own side. With player controlled events such as Barbarians, Tornados, and Bribery, no plan goes unhindered and anyone could find themselves mapping their own destiny! Perfect for both new and experienced gamers, Old World New World has a great mix of simple mechanics and a variety of options that will keep you on your toes no matter how many times you play it. What's In The Box?: • One full color 8-page Rules booklet • 72 cards (58 Terrain card, 14 Action cards) • 26 laser-cut counters (24 Units, 2 Natives) • 12 border pieces • One bright red, 9 1/4" x 5 7/8" Standard cardboard VPG game box • One beautiful box cover sleeve • One "Wipes-A-Lot" napkin • One charcoal desiccant packet
Old World New World supports 2–4 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 Old World New World is 20–30 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 Old World New World for ages 13 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.
Old World New World has a complexity rating of 1.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a 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.
Old World New World belongs to these categories: Card Game, Exploration, and Adventure. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Take That, and Point to Point Movement. 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 Old World New World are: Aaron Smith (I). 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 Old World New World 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.