Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham is a heavy economic strategy game set in the West Midlands during England's Industrial Revolution, spanning 1770–1870. Two to four players compete as entrepreneurs building industries, developing networks, and exploiting market demand across two distinct eras — the Canal Age and the Rail Age.

Each era plays out differently: you build industries and connections, then score and clear the board before the rail era begins. Resource management is tight — coal, iron, and beer are all interdependent, and you'll often find yourself relying on opponents' industries to fuel your own plans. A variable board setup and innovative turn order system ensure no two games unfold the same way.

What's good?

• Ranked #1 on BoardGameGeek — widely considered one of the finest economic games ever made
• Dynamic board setup and variable turn order create genuine strategic depth
• Two-era structure gives each game a satisfying arc with a meaningful mid-game reset
• Meticulously illustrated with high-quality components throughout

Who is it for?

• ✔ Experienced gamers who enjoy deep economic and network-building games
• ✔ Fans of the original Brass looking for a refined, expanded experience
• ✔ Groups comfortable with heavier rules and longer play sessions
• ✖ Not suited to casual or new players — complexity is genuinely high

Brass: Birmingham is a standalone game and a full sequel to the original Brass. No other products required to play. New to the game? An introductory mode is included — play the Canal Era only with simplified scoring, making it a gentler first experience before tackling the full two-era game.

Pair with: Brass: Lancashire — the leaner, more cutthroat original. Own both for the full Brass experience.