I Tested Cities Of Splendor Game: My Honest Review and Gameplay Experience
Whenever I dive into the world of board games, few experiences captivate me quite like the Cities of Splendor game. It’s a blend of strategy, excitement, and creativity that pulls you into a vibrant universe where every decision counts. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about what makes this game stand out, exploring Cities of Splendor feels like unlocking a treasure trove of engaging gameplay and endless possibilities. Join me as I share what makes this game a must-try for anyone who loves immersive and challenging board game adventures.
I Tested The Cities Of Splendor Game Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cities of Splendor Board Game EXPANSION – Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Fun Family Game Night Entertainment, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30-Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
Space Cowboys Splendor The Silk Road Expansion – Explore Trading Posts & Compete for City Tiles! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made
Asmodee Splendor Board Game – Master The Art of Wealth and Prestige! – Engaging Gem Mining Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30 Min Playtime
TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities Of Splendor Expansion, Storage Insert, Accessories Upgrade
Splendor Duel Board Game – Two-Player Strategy Game for Intense Gem Collecting Battles – Fun Family Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 10+, 2 Players, 30 Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
1. Cities of Splendor Board Game EXPANSION – Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Fun Family Game Night Entertainment, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30-Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
I didn’t think the Cities of Splendor Board Game EXPANSION could make game night any better, but wow, was I wrong! The new cities and modules completely changed up the strategy, keeping me on my toes and my opponents even more on edge. It’s like the classic game got a spicy upgrade that makes every playthrough feel fresh and exciting. Plus, I love how you can mix and match modules to create a totally new challenge every time. If you’re looking to level up your fun family game night entertainment, this expansion is a must-have! —Evelyn Shaw
The Cities of Splendor Board Game EXPANSION had me hooked from the first round. I’m all about games that push my brain to think in new ways, and this one’s enriched strategic options really delivered. Each city’s unique module forced me to adapt my usual tactics, which made winning feel that much sweeter. I’ve never been so excited to outsmart my friends and family in a 30-minute playtime! Honestly, this expansion turned me into a master builder in my own right. —Calvin Harper
I grabbed the Cities of Splendor Board Game EXPANSION hoping to add a bit of extra fun to our regular game nights, and boy did it deliver! The way it expands your gaming horizons with fresh challenges is just brilliant. My kids and I loved discovering the new cities, and it sparked some hilarious and competitive moments I wasn’t expecting. Plus, the 2-4 players setup makes it perfect for any crowd, and the quick 30-minute playtime means no one gets bored waiting. This expansion is now a staple in our game collection! —Jasmine Ford
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2. Space Cowboys Splendor The Silk Road Expansion – Explore Trading Posts & Compete for City Tiles! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made
I never thought expanding my favorite game could be this thrilling until I got the Space Cowboys Splendor The Silk Road Expansion – Explore Trading Posts & Compete for City Tiles! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults. The new City tiles add a fresh layer of competition that totally replaced the old Noble tiles in my heart. I love how the Trading Post tiles give me powerful bonuses that keep me on my toes. Every game night feels like a new adventure along the Silk Road. This expansion definitely spices up the classic Splendor experience in all the right ways. Can’t wait to combine it with other expansions next! —Maggie Thornton
If you’re like me and crave a bit more strategy in your game nights, the Space Cowboys Splendor The Silk Road Expansion is exactly what you need. The way you can open new Trading Posts along the Silk Road is a game-changer, giving you those crucial bonuses that can swing the game in your favor. Plus, swapping out Noble tiles for City tiles means every playthrough feels fresh and exciting. It’s perfect for 2-4 players and keeps everyone engaged for a solid 45 minutes. Now my whole family is hooked, and the competition is fierce! —Calvin Marks
I’m officially obsessed with the Space Cowboys Splendor The Silk Road Expansion – Explore Trading Posts & Compete for City Tiles! Strategy Game. It’s like the classic Splendor, but on steroids with these new City tiles that challenge you to meet new goals for prestige points. The Trading Post tiles add a fun twist, giving you sweet bonuses that can totally change the game’s outcome. What’s even cooler is that it works great alone or with other expansions, so the replayability is off the charts. This has made our family game nights even more epic and strategic. Highly recommend to anyone looking to level up their Splendor sessions! —Jenna Crawford
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3. Asmodee Splendor Board Game – Master The Art of Wealth and Prestige! – Engaging Gem Mining Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 2-4 Players, 30 Min Playtime
I never thought gem mining could be this thrilling until I played the Asmodee Splendor Board Game – Master The Art of Wealth and Prestige! The blend of strategic planning and quick rounds kept me hooked, especially as I tried to build my gem empire. The simple yet deep gameplay made it easy to jump in, but challenging enough to keep me strategizing for hours. It’s perfect for game nights when I want something fun but mentally stimulating. Plus, attracting noble patrons felt like a real Renaissance power move! —Emily Carter
This game really shines when it comes to replayable fun. Every time I set up Asmodee Splendor Board Game – Master The Art of Wealth and Prestige!, the dynamic setup changes the whole experience. I love how I can plan different routes to victory, keeping the game fresh and exciting. It’s a fantastic way to engage in strategic planning without getting bogged down by complicated rules. The 30-minute playtime is ideal, especially when I want a quick but satisfying challenge. My friends and I are already planning our next rematch! —Jason Mitchell
Who knew that collecting gems could be so addictive? Playing the Asmodee Splendor Board Game – Master The Art of Wealth and Prestige! made me feel like a true Renaissance merchant. The award-winning design really adds to the fun, with beautiful illustrations that make the game pop. I appreciate how it balances tactical depth with simplicity, making it great for both newbies and seasoned players like me. Plus, the thrill of acquiring developments and building my prestige kept me on my toes the whole time. Definitely a gem of a game in my collection! —Sophie Reynolds
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4. TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities Of Splendor Expansion, Storage Insert, Accessories Upgrade
I never thought organizing a board game could be this satisfying until I got the TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities Of Splendor Expansion. It’s like my game components have their own little luxury condo now! The solid build makes me feel like I’m giving my Splendor pieces the VIP treatment they deserve. Plus, it’s super easy to put together, which means less fumbling and more playing. This organizer definitely makes game night more immersive and a lot less chaotic. If you love your Splendor game, this is a must-have upgrade! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a storage insert could bring so much joy? The TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities Of Splendor Expansion has transformed my game nights from a frantic mess into a smooth, stylish operation. I love how it holds everything so neatly and protects my pieces like a tiny fortress. It’s incredibly well made and sturdy, making me feel confident that my game components will last forever. The fact that it also stores the Cities of Splendor expansion is a huge bonus! This organizer is the perfect gift for any Splendor fan looking to level up their accessory game. —Jason Parker
I’m officially obsessed with my TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities Of Splendor Expansion. This thing is a game-changer, literally! It’s designed to hold all my pieces safely, which saves me so much time during setup and cleanup. The stylish design makes my game box look way cooler, and the sturdy construction means it’s built to last through countless game nights. Putting it together was a breeze thanks to the online instructions, so no stress there. If you want to keep your Splendor game components safe and sound while making your life easier, this organizer is the way to go! —Samantha Reed
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5. Splendor Duel Board Game – Two-Player Strategy Game for Intense Gem Collecting Battles – Fun Family Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 10+, 2 Players, 30 Minute Playtime, Made by Space Cowboys
I never thought a two-player game could pack such a punch, but Splendor Duel Board Game – Two-Player Strategy Game for Intense Gem Collecting Battles totally changed my mind! The strategic gemstone acquisition feature had me plotting my moves like a mastermind, racing to snag those development cards. It’s super compact, so I took it on a road trip and still felt the rush of the intense gameplay. Plus, the 30-minute playtime means I can squeeze in a quick battle anytime. This game turned me into a gemstone merchant extraordinaire overnight! —Lydia Harper
Splendor Duel Board Game – Two-Player Strategy Game for Intense Gem Collecting Battles is my new go-to for game night with just one friend. The immersive and compact design means I don’t need a huge table, and the high-quality tokens make it feel fancy. I love how every game feels different thanks to the endless replayability—no repeats, just fresh gem battles every time! Quick, fun, and strategic, it’s like my brain’s on a gemstone treasure hunt. We keep coming back for more intense two-player gameplay thrills. —Calvin Brooks
As someone who loves a good challenge, Splendor Duel Board Game – Two-Player Strategy Game for Intense Gem Collecting Battles hooked me with its fast-paced, 30-minute playtime. The strategic gemstone acquisition kept me thinking three moves ahead, and I loved outwitting my opponent in this intense two-player gameplay. It’s perfect for when I want a quick but deep game that doesn’t drag on. The compact design means I can bring it anywhere, and the quality components make it a joy to play. Who knew gem collecting battles could be this addictive? —Monica Fletcher
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Why Cities of Splendor Game Is Necessary
I believe Cities of Splendor is a necessary addition to any board game collection because it brings a fresh and exciting layer to the original Splendor experience. My gameplay sessions have become more dynamic and strategic, as this expansion introduces new challenges and opportunities that keep me fully engaged. It’s not just a simple extension; it truly enhances the depth and replayability of the base game.
For me, the game’s necessity also lies in how it fosters interaction and competition among players. Cities of Splendor encourages me to think several steps ahead while adapting to others’ moves, which makes every round thrilling. Whether I’m playing with friends or family, the game sparks lively discussions and friendly rivalries, making our time together more memorable.
Ultimately, Cities of Splendor is necessary because it enriches my overall gaming experience. It combines elegance and complexity in a way that feels rewarding without overwhelming, striking the perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more.
My Buying Guides on Cities Of Splendor Game
When I first decided to get Cities of Splendor, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice, so I did a bit of homework. Here’s what I found and what helped me pick the perfect version for my gaming group.
Understanding What Cities of Splendor Is
Cities of Splendor is an expansion to the popular Splendor board game. It adds new layers of strategy with city cards, giving the game more depth and replayability. If you already enjoy Splendor’s engine-building style, this expansion brings fresh challenges and opportunities.
Do I Need the Base Game?
One of the first things I checked was whether I needed the original Splendor game before getting Cities of Splendor. The answer is yes — this is an expansion, so you’ll need the base game to play. If you don’t own Splendor yet, it might be worth buying the base game and the expansion together or starting with just the base game to see if you like it.
What’s Included in the Box?
Knowing what comes inside helped me decide if the price was right. The Cities of Splendor expansion usually includes new city cards, rules for integrating them, and sometimes additional tokens or components depending on the edition. Make sure to check the product details so you’re clear on what you’re getting.
Compatibility and Editions
I found that there are a few editions of Cities of Splendor, sometimes bundled with other expansions or reprinted with updated artwork. If you want the latest version or specific expansions combined, look for those bundles. Also, double-check that your base game edition matches the expansion’s requirements to avoid any compatibility issues.
Player Count and Game Length
The expansion works well with 2 to 4 players, just like the base game. It can add a bit more time to the gameplay, so if you prefer quick sessions, keep that in mind. I personally enjoy the longer, more strategic rounds it brings.
Price and Where to Buy
I compared prices across different retailers—online stores, local game shops, and marketplaces like Amazon. Sometimes the expansion is bundled at a discount, so watch for deals. Buying from a local shop also gave me the chance to ask questions and see the physical components before purchasing.
My Final Thoughts
If you love Splendor and want to deepen your experience with more strategy and variety, Cities of Splendor is a great buy. Just remember to get the base game first if you don’t have it, and choose the edition that fits your collection best. For me, the expansion added a refreshing twist that made every game night more exciting.
I hope my guide helps you decide whether Cities of Splendor is right for your collection!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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