In the world of board games, there are many titles that shine with innovative mechanics and high replay value – but few manage to remain as accessible and atmospheric as The Cartographer and its successors. The Kartograph series from Pegasus Spiele is a prime example of a modern flip & write game that cleverly combines tactics, interaction and a fantasy theme.
What is the game about?
As a royal cartographer, you are tasked with surveying the borders of the kingdom of Nalos and mapping out the most useful landscapes such as forests, villages, fields and bodies of water. Each round, an exploration card is revealed showing certain terrain shapes and types. You then have to draw these on your map sheet, keeping an eye on the four alternating scoring cards if possible – because only those who plan cleverly will score the most glory points.
Sounds relaxed? Not quite! Because monster cards also appear from time to time – and these are not drawn on your sheet by you, but by your fellow players. This creates a subtle competition: who can build the most efficiently – and who can best deal with the attacks of the others?
The games at a glance:
The basic game. Ideal for beginners to the flip & write genre. The mixture of planning, interaction and variable scoring ensures a high replay value.
It is a strategic game in which players take on the role of royal cartographers and try to draw the best map of a fantasy realm. Over the course of four seasons, maps with landscapes (e.g. forests, villages, water or fields) and certain shapes are revealed.
The players enter these shapes on their own grid sheet, trying to fulfill certain tasks (scoring) as effectively as possible. At the same time, monsters occasionally appear, which the players draw on their opponents’ sheets to disrupt their planning. Whoever has collected the most points after four rounds by cleverly placing and completing the tasks wins.
The Cartographer: New Discoveries
A standalone playable sequel that takes the basic principle but adds new elements: Hero cards, new monsters and additional ratings provide a breath of fresh air – perfect for anyone who has played the original extensively.
The sequel contains new cards with unique map layouts that offer exciting challenges, as well as new ambush cards with different monster types that provide more variety and interaction. There are also new scoring cards that enable alternative strategies and make the game even more varied.
The expansion is suitable both for experienced players who want to test their skills on new maps and for groups looking for more variety in their Kartograph games.
Even more variety: expansions & card sheets
The Kartograph series thrives on its modularity. Pegasus Spiele has published numerous expansions and additional map sheets that introduce new rules, challenges or scenarios to the game:
- Affril – The Silent Desert: New terrain types and tricky scoring cards.
- Nebblis – The flaming hell: Volcanoes and lava fields bring danger into play.
- Undercity and Frozen Expanse: Underground maps or icy tundras – each mini-expansion offers its own atmosphere.
- Skills mini-expansion: Skills that you can use specifically to turn the tide.
What makes the Kartograph series so special?
- Can be played solo or in groups – works with 1 to 100+ people.
- Great replay value thanks to modular scoring and many expansions.
- Beautiful illustrations and thematic embedding in the Roll Player world.
- Compact and affordable, ideal for traveling or as a gift.
Our conclusion: For whom is the Kartograph series worthwhile?
Whether you are a board game novice or an experienced strategist – the Kartograph series has something to offer for everyone. The basic game is perfect for families and casual gamers, while the expansions and Kartographin offer enough depth for frequent players too.
Anyone who enjoys creative drawing, planning and puzzling – and wants to enjoy a little fantasy flair at the same time – should definitely not miss this modern classic.
Tip: It’s best to play with a pencil – and don’t forget to keep the eraser handy!