7 Wonders is a great game to bring to the table with friends or even during family game night. In the game, each player takes on the role of a leader of one of the seven great cities of the Ancient World. The player’s goal is to lead their people and ensure their survival in the future.
According to the box rules, 7 Wonders is designed to be played with 3 – 7 people, but there is a two-player mode. It may not be as fun as having a table of at least three people. For a good two-player experience, consider getting 7 Wonders: Duel, as it’s designed for two people.
So, at the end of the day, is it better to buy 7 Wonders despite knowing we’ll be using it for two people most of the time, or should we invest in 7 Wonder Duel to make the most of our money? It plays well in large groups, but can we play it as a two-player game?
Keep scrolling, and we’ll try to help you through this dilemma.
How Many People Can Play 7 Wonders?
The base game of 7 Wonders is meant for 3 to 7 players and plays best with 4 to 5 players. The game also comes with an “expert” variant for 2 players; the third is a dummy player.
Like the two players, the dummy player is also given their own stack of cards, which will be treated as a draw pile. A “Free City” card will be given to one of the active players. On each turn, the player holding the card must play as the dummy player.
Can You Have Two of the Same Cards in 7 Wonders?
According to the game’s rules, players cannot build the same structure twice. Players need to pay attention to the card’s name and illustration.
While playing 7 Wonders, there may come a time when players might want to build the exact same structures to double the resources they make to advance their civilization.
What is 7 Wonders: Duel?
Players looking for a two-player version of 7 Wonders can try 7 Wonders: Duel instead of trying to play the original game. Like 7 Wonders, players in Duel need to acquire resources, advance their military, and make scientific discoveries to develop their civilization over three ages.
7 Wonders: Duel is designed to handle two players. Unlike the original game, 7 Wonders: Duel has players pick cards from a display of face-down and face-up cards arranged at the start of a round.
A player can take a card if any other card doesn’t cover it on the table.
As always, the rule book explains how to set up the game. The rules come with the board game when purchased. It’s always worth reading through the rules any time you play a new game.
Can you Play 7 Wonders: Duel Solo?
Initially, 7 Wonders: Duel was made as a two-player game. However, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, a solo game version with rules was created and made available for free on Asmodee’s website, though the base Duel game is still required.
In the solo version of the game, one of five possible enemy leaders replaces a single human player. Each of the leaders has their unique ability. Leader Cards represent the five leaders, available on the Asmodee website with the rules here. The rules and Leader Cards are free to print, though you will need a free account to download them.
Players are free to choose which of the leaders they wish to face. Once they have decided which of the leaders to challenge, they need to draw four wonder cards themselves and two wonder cards for the opponent- take note that the opposing wonder cards this turn are treated as already constructed.
Decisions of the opponents are based on a decision card. These cards are also free for download on Asmodee’s website. Any cards the leader may have are automatically constructed without the need for resources.
This competitive solo version of 7 Wonders: Duel can be won the same way as the regular version of 7 Wonders Duel.
There is also an app version of 7 Wonders: Duel available on Android and iOs.
Can you Play 7 Wonders With More Than 2 Players?
7 Wonders can accommodate up to seven players, which is perfect for involving everyone at the table. For gameplay ease and timing, the best number of players is four to five. But, the game is still played the same way, even if there are seven or more people across teams.
The only downside of maximizing the number of players is that the game could get confusing. 7 Wonders is played simultaneously, so everyone has to consider what other players are doing.
If there are a lot of players, it might be overwhelming to a few people. I suggest playing with someone who knows the rules so they can help people get used to the game.
Either way, 7 Wonders is a great game to have. Even 7 Wonders: Duel is an equally fun board game. I suggest considering what you want from the board game before purchasing either one.
If someone wants something for a large group, then buying 7 Wonders is best. If they only want to play with one other person or buy themselves, then choosing 7 Wonders: Duel is excellent for the best experience.
Next Steps
7 Wonders is an amazing game, and it’s got a lot of great expansion options available if you want to take your gameplay to new heights. So make sure you check those out. They include:
- 7 Wonders: Leaders
- 7 Wonders: Cities
- 7 Wonders: Armada
If 7 Wonders is a game you’d like to play with your family but it’s a bit too advanced yet for your younger players – don’t feel bad. There are plenty of other gaming options out there! Games range in required skill levels from Connect 4 to Monopoly to Pandemic. There’s going to be a game for you and your family out there. So hang in there, my gaming family friends!
Resources
Learning from your own experience is important, but learning from others is also smart. These are the sources used in this article and our research to be more informed as gamers.
- 7 Wonders: the world’s most award-winning game. (n.d.). Repos Production. https://www.rprod.com/en/games/7-wonders
- Print & Play – 7 Wonders Duel. (n.d.). https://print-and-play.asmodee.fun/en/game/7-wonders-duel
- Wiki Targeted (Entertainment). (n.d.). Board Games Galore Wiki. https://board-games-galore.fandom.com/wiki/7_Wonders:_Duel