Power Grid

Auction + network + catch-up by design

BGG: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651

Power Grid is a medium-heavy game (weight 6/10). It offers a substantial decision tree (8/10) — enough to reward repeated study. Decisions come at a steady pace (6/10) — engaged without being exhausting. Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 8/10). Direct conflict exists but is contained (4/10).

Solo0/10
Fiddly5/10
Players
4P5P3P6P1P2P

The 12-axis profile

Every score is on a 0–10 scale. The rubric and methodology behind these numbers is documented in the README.

Thinking

how much brainwork?
Weight
6
Depth
8
Density
6

Power Grid is a medium-heavy game (weight 6/10). It offers a substantial decision tree (8/10) — enough to reward repeated study. Decisions come at a steady pace (6/10) — engaged without being exhausting.

Interaction

how multiplayer is the multiplayer?
Interaction
8
Conflict
4
Negotiation
2

Players are constantly affecting each other's plans (interaction 8/10). Direct conflict exists but is contained (4/10).

Luck

where does luck live?
Input
4
Output
0
Catch-up
8

Variance is moderate (input 4, output 0/10). Catch-up effects are strong (8/10) — runaway leaders are rare.

Experience

how does it feel?
Theme
5
Engine
6
Narrative
3

The theme provides flavor (5/10) but the experience is mostly mechanical. There's a clear engine-building feel (engine 6/10).

Variance is moderate (input 4, output 0/10). Catch-up effects are strong (8/10) — runaway leaders are rare.

The theme provides flavor (5/10) but the experience is mostly mechanical. There's a clear engine-building feel (engine 6/10).

Games like Power Grid

Ranked by weighted Euclidean distance across the 12-axis profile, using the default research-weighted lens. Click any game to see its full profile.

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