Ora et Labora

Ora et Labora (Latin for 'Pray and Work') invites you to immerse yourself in the role of an ambitious abbot, guiding a flourishing monastery through the vibrant Medieval era.

In this enthralling game, players compete to acquire land and develop unique enterprises while generating valuable resources and maximizing profits. Your ultimate goal is to construct a robust infrastructure and produce esteemed items such as books, ceramics, ornaments, and relics—aiming to amass the highest victory points by the end!

Designed by the acclaimed Uwe Rosenberg, Ora et Labora is his fifth major game, showcasing innovative gameplay mechanics reminiscent of his earlier masterpieces, particularly Le Havre. A standout element is the dual-sided resource tiles, enabling players to upgrade basic materials into valuable assets.

Unlike other games that introduce resources incrementally, Ora et Labora features a clever numbered rondel that indicates resource availability, ensuring strategic planning with every turn. Each round begins with players rotating the rondel by one segment, which updates all resource counts simultaneously.

Effectively managing your personal game board is crucial for strategic advancement, as new buildings will emerge over time. Gather materials to construct these buildings while adhering to terrain restrictions that dictate construction locations. Watch out for board spaces initially occupied by trees or moors; while they pose developmental challenges, clearing them grants extra resources.

Your placement of buildings can greatly influence your final score. You also have the chance to purchase additional terrain to expand your domain. Each player commands a team of three workers, who can be assigned to various buildings for specific actions—remaining in place until all three are deployed.

Utilize your own buildings freely, but remember that accessing another player's building will incur an entry fee, encouraging collaboration and resource sharing.

Enhance the excitement with two engaging variants featuring the unique landscapes of France and Ireland, ensuring that every playthrough offers a fresh and dynamic experience.

Will your monastery thrive and emerge victorious? Gather your faith and resources, and prepare for an unparalleled strategic experience with Ora et Labora!