Orleans: Joan of Arc Draw & Write Board Game – Capstone Games, 1-5 Players, 45 Min
Orleans: Joan of Arc is a draw-and-write board game from Capstone Games set in the medieval Orleans universe. Players draft followers from a bag to take actions like moving around France, gathering goods, building structures, and earning points. Designed for 1 to 5 players, each session lasts about 45 minutes. The game supports both solo play against Joan of Arc (with three difficulty levels) and competitive multiplayer.
How Does Orleans: Joan of Arc Play?
Each round begins by drawing a number of Follower Tiles from the bag. Players take turns drafting one follower and immediately performing the action associated with that tile. Actions include moving across France, collecting goods, constructing buildings, setting up trading stations, acquiring money, and contributing to beneficial deeds. After all followers have been drafted, the bag is reset and a new round begins. The player who best uses their followers to score points across these paths wins the game.
Components and Quick Setup
The box contains a 24-page rulebook, a double-sided pad of player sheets, 5 pens, 27 Follower Tiles, 48 cards (including event and solo mode cards), and a draw bag. Setting up takes just a couple of minutes: each player takes a pen and a sheet, place the tiles in the bag, shuffle the cards, and you're ready to play. The streamlined rules mean minimal explanation before your first game.
| Player Count | 1–5 |
| Playtime | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Components | 1 Rulebook, 1 Double-Sided Pad, 5 Pens, 27 Follower Tiles, 48 Cards, 1 Bag |
| Game Type | Draw & Write, Strategy, Solo or Competitive |
Solo Mode vs Competitive Play
Orleans: Joan of Arc offers both a dedicated solo mode and a competitive multiplayer experience. In solo mode, you play directly against Joan of Arc, who follows a simple AI with three difficulty levels. This lets you adjust the challenge as you improve. In competitive mode, 2–5 players draft followers and score points, with each decision affecting the options available to others. The game scales smoothly; the core rules remain the same regardless of player count.
What Makes This Game Replayable?
No two games of Orleans: Joan of Arc feel alike. The follower tiles drawn each round change what actions are available, forcing you to adapt your strategy. Scoring paths are numerous and can be pursued in different combinations. Even with the same player group, the variety of follower draft sequences and scoring decisions ensures fresh experiences. The solo mode's three difficulty levels also encourage repeat attempts.
Is This Game Suitable for Beginners?
Yes. The rules are straightforward: you draft a tile and take its action. The player sheet clearly tracks your progress, and the rulebook explains everything in plain language. While there is strategic depth—planning multiple rounds ahead and optimizing your resource use—the game is accessible to teens and adults new to board games. Experienced players will still find tough decisions thanks to the interactive drafting and multiple scoring routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
Orleans: Joan of Arc supports 1 to 5 players.
What is the playtime?
A typical game takes about 45 minutes.
Can I play solo?
Yes. Solo mode pits you against Joan of Arc with three difficulty levels.
What components are included?
1 Rulebook, 1 Double-Sided Pad, 5 Pens, 27 Follower Tiles, 48 Cards, and 1 Draw Bag.