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Game Info
Year
2024
Collection
Ratings
Creator Score
Expansions & Family
Mechanic profile
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Vibe profile
How this game feels to play
Description
Railways of the Lost Atlas is an 18xx-style game set in a shifting landscape. The map, built by players as part of set-up, is different for each play. Players take on the role of individual investors who launch minor companies, build infrastructure, and generate revenue to increase their stock value or reinvest in the company. Minor companies eventually merge into major ones that have more freedom to expand their operations.
The twelve minor companies have distinct abilities that persist even after merging into a major to make for different combinations and unique company identities.
Enjoy multiple game modes and modular options that allow groups to tailor the game to their needs.
Railways of the Lost Atlas Family
(2 games)
This page includes videos and mentions from the whole Railways of the Lost Atlas family. Drill into a specific game below.
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Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 9 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video nQPLFCN7fv4
Heavy Cardboard Rules Teach at 1:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 128163 · mention_pk 364795
Click to watch at 1:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- The game is described as great and interesting.
- The map building is well-thought-out and fun.
- The mechanics like incremental capitalization, stock rounds, and operating rounds are engaging.
- The expansion adds more of a good thing with new companies and landmarks.
- The game is considered a good beginner game for the 18XX genre.
- The game does not take itself too seriously, with humorous elements.
- The game speeds up the play with mechanics like building two yellows at a time.
- The variable player powers from new companies and landmarks add spice.
Cons
- Some landmarks might not be used depending on the map.
- The event decks might be too volatile for some players.
- The new companies are described as 'base game content' by one reviewer.
- The new companies have low overhead and are described as 'cheap'.
- The game can feel 'too serious' for some 18XX games, but this one does not.
- The original map building can be 'terrible' and lead to a 'bottleneck'.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Implied through the map building and competition for locations and routes.
- Auction — Auctions are used for minor companies and potentially for starting companies.
- Incremental Capitalization — The game is described as an incremental capitalization game played over six cycles or rounds, each with stock and operating rounds.
- Merger Round — A merger round can occur depending on the phase, specifically when players enter the green phase.
- Operating rounds — Operating rounds involve building the map, getting revenue, and running trains.
- Route Building — Players build routes on the map and run trains to generate revenue.
- Set Collection — The game involves collecting sets, implied by the scoring and company objectives.
- Shareholding — Players buy and sell shares, and stock prices can fluctuate.
- Stock rounds — During stock rounds, players can buy and sell shares or start an auction for a minor.
- Variable player powers — The new companies and landmarks offer unique abilities that alter player strategies.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's interesting watching everyone deadend themselves to get to the mirage. Is it going to bite us in the butt later?
- The cliff landmark allows running a train off of it for half the value of the train, counting as a stop.
- There's no quote unquote wrong way to do this.
- This is a really cool game. I think we all quite like this game.
- The map building is really well thought out.
- The game does not take itself too seriously.
- The fact that you start with lots of companies and they get merged, so as a result you speed up the game as it goes on.
- It adds more of a good thing.
- The landmarks, they don't add any cognitive load as far as I can see, and they add a bit of fun spice.
- I know that exists, but I don't surround myself with people like that. I don't experience it as much.
- I think this is a really good beginner game too.
- The 18xx games playing online is is fine, but if I want to play a video game, I'm going to play a different video game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Jj_bSvnAuv4
Getting Games Discussion at 53:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88506 · mention_pk 233420
Click to watch at 53:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- gorgeous components mentioned
- modular map provides variety
Cons
- long playtime
Thematic elements
- rail networks and industry
- 18xx-style world with modular map
- heavy Euro with shared spaces
Comparison games
- 18XX
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 18xx-style play — long playtime with layered decisions
- Modular Board — players build a new map each game
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- welcome to drunk It's games
- I will go through those in alphabetical order
- I'm going to be talking about a bunch of games that I've learned about over the last month
- if you think I missed a game or if you have thoughts about any of these games then please comment
- world wonders I am very excited to try this game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 50fPSJSUjyE
Getting Games Discussion at 57:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87537 · mention_pk 228972
Click to watch at 57:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- classic feel with modern touches
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 18xx-style track building with stock — heavy-weight game combining track placement with stock market dynamics.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a 10 out of 10 game
- every play is so different
- I love dual gauge
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OS-vfea9_6E
Getting Games Review at 1:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87379 · mention_pk 228243
Click to watch at 1:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Modular map adds replayability
- Shorter entry point for 18xx-style gaming
- Engaging teaching moments during playthroughs
- Interesting merger mechanic that accelerates or speeds up play
- Dynamic map-building process affects strategy
Cons
- Early train rush can bankrupt new players if not managed
- Long play times in some scenarios (4-6 hours) depending on cycles
- Could be complex for newcomers
Thematic elements
- investing in railways, stock rounds, and mergers
- 18xx-style train game with a modular map built from tiles
- expository analysis and field notes
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction / Bidding — standard auction where players bid until one remains
- auction of minor companies — standard auction where players bid until one remains
- cycles — short game uses 4 cycles; long game uses 6 cycles
- merger timing — merging early vs late affects treasury and train acquisition
- merger/tax implications — post-merger tokens and treasury adjustments impact efficiency
- mergers — rounds where two minor companies can merge into a major company, replacing tokens
- modular map building — map is created from tiles drawn and placed by players
- Stock rounds and auctions — stock round starts game; auctions determine which companies appear
- trains and investment — companies can run trains; players invest to finance trains; money flows via stocks and treasury
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the map is fully modular you actually build the map out of a series of tiles that are three hexagons kind of smashed together
- this expansion on ano 1800 is starting to feel pretty mandatory to me
- I cannot imagine playing ano 1800 without it again
- patents exist entirely because of the Innovation System
- the expansion patches the original game and fixes some problems
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 878GIJt8XpM
Getting Games Discussion at 3:43
video_pk 87348 · mention_pk 228084
Click to watch at 3:43 · YouTube ↗
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9Olxay40_jI
Getting Games Top 12 List at 25:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 86274 · mention_pk 222751
Click to watch at 25:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- a strong introductory path into 18xx-style games
- beautiful map and production for a modern Euro/18xx-style title
Cons
- relies on multiple players for the best experience
- can be long and strategic, potentially intimidating
Thematic elements
- Midwest-focused, 18xx-inspired framework
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 18xx-style route building and company merging — players build a railroad map, merge companies, and compete across a evolving map
- collective map-building with emergent dynamics — the map grows and shifts as players place routes and build economies
- micro games and modular scenarios — short micro games and optional short/long variants for different play lengths
- Network/Route Building — players build a railroad map, merge companies, and compete across a evolving map
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these are my favorite 12 games that I played last year
- I'm going to do it my own way
- Joy was the overall idea of this list
- it's my favorite racing game period it just is
- Seti is game of the year
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8dM3DLdImBg
Review at 9:43:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 69237 · mention_pk 165649
Click to watch at 9:43:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Dynamic and variable map building makes each game unique.
- Approachable for new players to the 18xx genre.
- Clear interface and large, easy-to-handle tiles.
- Focus on running companies well rather than complex financial manipulation.
- Merger mechanic adds an interesting layer beyond standard 18xx.
- Plays well at different player counts, including a short and micro game variant.
- Good train rush and strategic track laying decisions.
- Doesn't overstay its welcome, with a definitive end.
Cons
- Mistakes can be costly and lead to significant setbacks.
- Can feel a bit punishing at times.
- Some rules interpretation needed regarding specific track placements and off-board connections.
Thematic elements
- Railroad network building
Comparison games
- 1830
- Irish Gauge
- 1846
- 1889
- 1856
- 1854
- 1817
- Agricola
- All Aboard Games
- Steam
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Auction — Minor companies are acquired through auctions, with bids determining the initial president and company funding.
- Company Management — Players manage companies, invest in trains, and make decisions about issuing shares and upgrading infrastructure.
- Company Mergers — Minor companies can merge under certain conditions, combining their assets and abilities.
- Map building — Players build the map by placing tiles, with specific rules for placement, including avoiding water and connecting to existing tiles.
- Route Building — Players lay track to build routes between cities and off-board destinations to generate revenue.
- Stock market — A linear stock market is used, with players buying and selling shares of companies.
- Train Acquisition — Players acquire trains, with limits and consequences for 'rusting' older trains when new ones are purchased.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a school night 18xx.
- I am blown away at how well this plays and how much I enjoy it.
- It's approachable and friendly, but still gives you the experience.
- I'm so enamored with this and I so came in expecting to hate it.
- It's just so clever.
- I don't know if I want to do that, but I'll buy an Express.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Hs8ngJmxNJE
Getting Games Discussion at 41:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 66528 · mention_pk 162132
Click to watch at 41:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- adds variety with multiple modules
- neutral corporation concept
- event-driven variability
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- railways with landmarks and corporate dynamics
- modern 18XX era expansion
Comparison games
- Railways of the Lost Atlas
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- new modules including landmarks, neutral corporations, events — modules added to expand strategies; possible events changing core rules.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Like, they've made a lagoon here. That's cool.
- I love the elegance of one card turns.
- This game is incredible. It's incredibly mean.
- I would happily continue to play it.
- Look at this artwork. Look at this box cover. Oh my gosh, that absolutely meets the aesthetics that I love in art.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video C0h9St76jRo
Heavy Cardboard Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6784 · mention_pk 20117
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging, map-building focus with a strong sense of place and whimsy (donut map, water, mountains).
- Accessible entry point into the 18xx system for new players, while still offering deep strategic depth for veterans.
- Dynamic merger mechanic and stock market add bite and dramatic potential in stock rounds.
- Humor and persona-driven play adds to table presence and entertainment value for streams.
- Strong thematic flavor through names, tiles, and narrative flourishes (e.g., capital upgrades, bridging).
Cons
- Rules and math can be intimidating; participant dialogue reveals a learning curve during live play.
- Potential for long stock rounds and heavy decision-making can extend playtime, especially in a group setting.
- Some mechanical interactions (e.g., mergers) require careful tracking and can lead to moments of confusion in-the-moment.
Thematic elements
- Infrastructure development, competition, and merger-driven corporate strategy in a whimsical, map-building world.
- A modular, donut-shaped atlas where players build rail networks across islands connected by bridges and waterways.
- Playful, humorous, and improv-heavy with live-stream flavor
Comparison games
- Shackleton Base
- 18 Royal Gorge
- Age of Steam
- 18xx family of games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Adaptive / tunneling / special tiles — Special tiles (adaptive, tunneling, etc.) provide unique effects and require players to weigh long-term map implications.
- Bridging / water routes — Bridging tiles enable connections across water and land, introducing chokepoints and strategic planning around routes.
- Company tokens / hubs / capital upgrade — Companies place tokens on cities; basic cities upgrade to capitals, altering income potential and strategic value.
- Edge destinations / destination cards — Players select destination tiles that shape map topology and route planning, creating incentives to reach certain areas.
- Investment — Companies place tokens on cities; basic cities upgrade to capitals, altering income potential and strategic value.
- Map-building / tile placement — Players collaboratively lay out hex tiles to form a playable map, including water features, mountains, and islands (donut-shaped layout).
- Mergers / emerging companies — Two companies can merge into an emerging company, with presidency determined by share ownership; affects control and revenue paths.
- Network/Route Building — Bridging tiles enable connections across water and land, introducing chokepoints and strategic planning around routes.
- Stock market / shares — Players buy/sell shares, par prices, and manage treasury; ownership affects presidency in mergers and payout potential.
- Train ownership and upgrades — Trains of various values (2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, etc.) are purchased and run for revenue; trains rust or are upgraded, influencing endgame dynamics.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Railways of the Lost Atlas was my number one game of last year.
- Choke points are great.
- This is a damn good game. So good. So good.
- The map building is so special because yes, it's not rooted in any sort of historical background.
- I think it's a home run.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gNXOMBTuuSY
Getting Games Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6653 · mention_pk 19779
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging two-player strategic depth with direct interaction via auctions and mergers
- Reasonably fast-paced for an 18xx-style game, especially in the short variant
- Clear visual and thematic cues with hub mechanics and track tiles
- Interesting merger dynamics and asymmetric minor companies add variance
Cons
- Rule complexity and a learning curve can be steep for first-time players
- Rust mechanics and train-buy timing demand careful bookkeeping and can swing outcomes
- Balance and optimal strategies are nuanced and may require multiple plays to master
Thematic elements
- Railway expansion, stock market speculation, and corporate mergers. Trains, routes, and hubs drive revenue and strategic positioning.
- A tile-built atlas map where players assemble a railway network using hub tiles, minor and major companies, and a variable map layout. The short game uses four rounds with a two-player setup.
- Competitive, modular, with explicit economic and spatial puzzles (tiles, tracks, hubs, and mergers) that drive both market and map control.
Comparison games
- 1830
- City the Big Shoulders
- Wabash Cannonball
- Chicago Express
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Merger of minors into majors — During merger rounds, connected minors combine into a single major company; presidencies merge, then shares consolidate under the new major.
- Network/Route Building — Minor and major companies operate in rounds; routes generate revenue based on train stops and phase values; local routes are allowed in this rule set.
- Operating rounds and route running — Minor and major companies operate in rounds; routes generate revenue based on train stops and phase values; local routes are allowed in this rule set.
- Payouts and stock-price adjustments — Earnings per share are distributed; payouts influence stock price (rising if payout > price, falling otherwise). Issuing shares and treasury payouts affect prices.
- Phase shifts and track upgrades — Phases (yellow, green, gray) unlock new track types and train limits; upgrades and track placements impact future payouts and route options.
- Rule variants for accessibility and length — Introductory map, short game, micro game options, and rule guardrails to smooth play for newcomers, with a slower or longer long-game variant.
- Stock rounds and auctions — Players bid for minor company charters; the president share yields control; stock prices and treasury flows influence future actions.
- Tile-based map construction with hub tokens — Maps are built from tiles; each company must connect to its hub; hub tokens can be placed to unlock future route options and influence payouts.
- Track Advancement — Phases (yellow, green, gray) unlock new track types and train limits; upgrades and track placements impact future payouts and route options.
- Train acquisition and rusting — Trains cost money; players must purchase trains (with potential forced purchases); trains rust and disappear, affecting future earnings.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is an 18xx game but it is essentially marketed as like an introductory 18xx game.
- we're going to play a full short two-player game of Railways of the Lost Atlas
- the short game is four rounds
- capital is more lucrative and upgrades are important
- two yellow tiles per track laid in yellow phase
- merger rounds are coming, where minors merge into majors
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–10 of 10