Luthier (FR)

*French version

Step into the golden age of Western classical music with Luthier, an expert strategy game where you lead an artisan family devoted to building exquisite instruments. From your bustling workshop, you must carefully manage wood, metal and animal-based materials to craft violins, harps, clarinets and more, all while meeting the demands of patrons inspired by real historical figures such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. At the start of each round, patrons shower you with gifts, but their patience is limited: fail to deliver on time and your prestige will quickly erode.

The core of the game lies in a clever system of hidden worker placement and secret bidding that determines priority at each location. You assign numbered workers and apprentices to the salon to recruit new patrons, to the guild to secure instrument plans, to the performance hall to attempt high-risk concerts, or to the repair and finishing benches to complete valuable commissions. Each area of the board offers main actions, alternate actions and strong high-skill bonuses if you commit your most capable artisans. You will constantly weigh whether to improve your skill tracks, invest at the market for better materials and training, or fight for first chairs in the orchestra.

You will enjoy Luthier if you like deep, thinky Euro-style games with multiple paths to victory and strong long-term planning. You can focus on instrument crafting efficiency, aim for spectacular performances that secure powerful orchestra bonuses, or specialize in repairs and patron management for long-term scoring engines. Public awards, hidden personal goals and competition for limited spaces ensure that each play feels tense and highly replayable.

An interesting touch is that all patrons are based on real figures from classical music history, and the game spans the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, which shape performances, objectives and some scoring effects. Completing rare instruments, claiming key first chairs in the orchestra or satisfying a demanding noble or royal patron creates a memorable sense of progress for your workshop.

Designed by Dave Beck and Abe Burson, with evocative artwork by Vincent Dutrait and Guillaume Tavernier, Luthier offers a visually rich and thematic experience. The French edition by Lucky Duck Games preserves the depth and nuance of the original while making the rules and card text fully accessible to francophone players.

Players: 1 to 4
Playtime: 90 to 150 minutes
Age: 14+