Worker Placement in Board Games
Worker placement is a prominent game mechanic utilized in board games, where players place game pieces (referred to as "workers") on specific locations within the game to perform actions or gather resources. This action drafting system is a cornerstone of many strategy games, as it integrates resource management and strategic planning.
Key Aspects of Worker Placement:
- Action Drafting: Players choose actions by placing workers on limited slots, which can block others from the same action.
- Turn Order: Often, turn order impacts the availability of actions, as earlier players can access slots first.
- Strategic Depth: Provides a layer of strategy in choosing actions that benefit one's position while potentially hindering opponents.
- Resource Allocation: Workers are often a scarce resource, requiring thoughtful allocation to optimize actions and manage resources.
Significance in Game Design:
Worker placement mechanics require players to prioritize actions and manage limited resources, promoting a balance of strategy and adaptability. This mechanic also naturally creates conflict and interaction as players compete for the same critical spots.
Popular Worker Placement Games:
- Agricola: In Agricola, players run a farm, compete for family growth, and strive to improve their agricultural output.
- Caylus: Caylus is one of the pioneering games of the genre where players contribute to the building of a French castle town.
- Lords of Waterdeep: Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, players recruit adventurers to complete quests for rewards and influence.
Worker placement has become a mainstay in the modern board game movement, offering deep strategic gameplay that is accessible yet challenging for players.
Worker Placement games published by Schwerkraft-Verlag
Worker Placement games published by Maldito Games
Strategy Game with Worker Placement
Worker Placement games published by Pegasus Spiele
Worker Placement games published by Gameology (Gameology Romania)


Worker Placement and Set Collection games
Worker Placement games published by TCG Factory
Worker Placement and Area Majority / Influence games
Worker Placement games published by Group SNE

Demon Worker
Worker Placement and Open Drafting games
Worker Placement games illustrated by Klemens Franz
Worker Placement games illustrated by Thomas Tamblyn

Mint Works (1st Edition)
Worker Placement games published by Passport Game Studios

Simurgh
Worker Placement and Network and Route Building games
Worker Placement and Tile Placement games
Worker Placement games published by Siam Board Games

Terraforming Mars: Colonies Expansion
Worker Placement games published by Portal Games
Worker Placement games designed by Richard Breese


Worker Placement and Track Movement games
Worker Placement and Variable Phase Order games
Worker Placement games published by Lucrum Games

General Orders: World War II
Worker Placement games published by Filosofia Éditions

Stone Age
Worker Placement games designed by Eric B. Vogel
