The Great Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe explained: build a trade network, develop craftsmen, acquire specialist powers, worship a god and raise monuments while balancing a changing victory requirement.
Build a trade-based civilization inspired by the kingdoms surrounding Great Zimbabwe, using shared craftsmen and logistics networks to raise monuments.
Why We Love It
Powers are not free advantages: gods and specialists can raise the number of victory points you need, forcing every ability to justify its strategic cost.
About The Great Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe is a heavy strategy game published by Splotter Spellen and designed by Jeroen Doumen; Joris Wiersinga. Its core systems include Network Building, Variable Powers and Auctions, creating a mix of tactical timing and longer-term planning.
This guide focuses on the edition and rules scope identified in the source notes below, with factual rules separated from editorial decision analysis.
Game at a Glance
Network Building
Expand connected routes efficiently while competing for valuable links.
Variable Powers
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Auctions
Use this system efficiently and connect it to your broader scoring plan.
Tile Placement
Place tiles for immediate value while preserving future spatial options.
Who The Great Zimbabwe suits
The Great Zimbabwe suits players who enjoy Network Building and Variable Powers, with room to build a plan while reacting to shared incentives. Its heavy weight makes it a better fit for groups comfortable tracking several connected systems.
Rules overview
Players establish craftsmen and resource sites across a modular map, then use logistics networks to acquire ritual goods needed to raise monuments. Gods and specialists provide powerful abilities but can increase the victory requirement. The first player to reach their personal target wins.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Evaluate every power by how many extra points it forces you to earn. A strong ability can still be inefficient if it raises your target faster than it improves your network.
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Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 17, 2026. Splotter currently lists the game as sold out; the most recent reprint was released in October 2021.