Power Grid

Published 2004

Power Grid is the updated release of the Friedemann Friese crayon game Funkenschlag. It removes the crayon aspect from network building in the original edition, while retaining the fluctuating commodities market like Crude: The Oil Game and an auction round intensity reminiscent of The Princes of Florence. The objective of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power when someone's network gains a predetermined size. In this new edition, players mark pre-existing routes between cities for connection, and then bid against each other to purchase the power plants that they use to power their cities. However, as plants are purchased, newer, more efficient plants become available, so by merely purchasing, you're potentially allowing others access to superior equipment. Additionally, players must acquire the raw materials (coal, oil, garbage, and uranium) needed to power said plants (except for the 'renewable' windfarm/ solar plants, which require no fuel), making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes. Power Grid FAQ - Please read this before posting a rules question! Many questions are asked over and over in the forums... If you have a question about a specific expansion, please check the rules forum or FAQ for that particular expansion.

Awards

Gouden Ludo 2010 Winner
Q2310040 2005 Winner
Power Grid

Game Info

Players
2-6 Players
Time
2 hours
Weight
Medium — 3.25/5
Year
2004
BGG Rating
7.80
BGG Rank
#73
Min Age
12+

Frequently Asked Questions

Power Grid supports 2 to 6 players. The community rates it best at 4 players.
A typical game of Power Grid takes about 120 minutes.
Power Grid has a complexity rating of 3.25/5.00 on BoardGameGeek, placing it in the 'Medium' category. It offers a good balance of depth and accessibility.
The recommended minimum age for Power Grid is 12+.
Power Grid has a rating of 7.80/10 on BoardGameGeek, based on 69,186 ratings. It is ranked #73 overall.
Power Grid was designed by Friedemann Friese. It was published in 2004.