If there’s one board game that masterfully combines strategy, atmosphere and replay value, it’s Great Western Trail. Developed by Alexander Pfister and originally released in 2016, this game has quickly become a modern classic. In this post, we take a look at the base game and its notable expansions and spin-offs.
The basic game: Great Western Trail
In the basic game, 2-4 players take on the roles of cattle breeders in 19th century America. The aim is to drive the most valuable herds of cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are sent east by train. But the road there is long and full of decisions: Constructing new buildings, hiring useful personnel, playing cards wisely – all part of a successful strategy.
Game mechanics at a glance:
- Deckbuilding with cattle cards
- Worker placement through your own actions along the game board
- Resource management during construction and recruitment of helpers
- Engine building for efficient and lucrative supply chains
The high strategic depth and the variable game structure make every game unique.
Extension: Rails to the North
This first major expansion brings with it new challenges. The cattle now have to be sent not only to Kansas City, but further north – to New York, Chicago or Canada. This means new strategic routes, more interaction with the railroad and additional maps.
Recommended for players who already have a good command of the basic game and are looking for more complexity.
Second edition & new editions
A visually and mechanically revised second edition of Great Western Trail was released in 2021. In addition to a clearer design, the components were improved (e.g. double-layered player boards) and a solo mode was added.
Independent spin-offs: The Great Western Trail trilogy
In the meantime, Great Western Trail has been developed into a trilogy – with two independent games based on the same basic framework, but introducing new themes and mechanics:
Great Western Trail: Argentina
- Focus on agriculture and exports
- New resources such as grain and farmers
- International markets and new paths to victory
Great Western Trail: New Zealand
- Topic: Sheep farming in the 19th century
- Introduction of ferries and new transportation routes
- Fresh strategic tricks despite a familiar system
Both games bring a breath of fresh air to the series and can be played independently – even without knowledge of the original.
New: Great Western Trail – El Paso
The world of Great Western Trail continues to grow! El Paso, a new spin-off of the original, takes a fresh look at the popular game in a more compact form. Released in 2025, El Paso promises an experience that is both strategic and accessible – perfect for those who love the base game but prefer shorter, less complex games.
Compared to the original, Great Western Trail: El Paso offers a shorter game length and simplified game mechanics. The focus is still on the transportation of cattle, but instead of a huge map and many complex decisions, El Paso offers a clearer and faster game experience. It is perfect for a relaxed game round that is nevertheless rich in strategic decisions.
What makes El Paso special
Shorter playing time: The games only last around 60 to 90 minutes, making El Paso a perfect everyday game – ideal for a round during the week or for game nights where more than one title is played.
Easy accessibility: El Paso was developed with the aim of simplifying the basic game without losing the essential strategic elements. The rules are clear and easy to understand, making it a great entry point for new players who want to slowly approach the more complex games in the series.
New mechanics: Although the mechanics of the Great Western Trail series remain the same, El Paso introduces some new elements to liven up the feel of the game. The introduction of dice rolls and special actions adds an extra layer of variety to the game. Players not only have to make the right decisions, but also react to the random elements created by the dice roll.
Thematic depth: The game continues to convey the typical Western flair of the series, but in El Paso there is a new focus on building trails and connections to different towns. This complements the classic cattle and railroad theme originally established in Great Western Trail and gives players additional strategic options.
More accessible for families: Because the game is less complex and quicker to learn, it’s a great choice for families who crave a board game that’s both fun and brain-teasing – without sinking into hours of rules study.
Our conclusion: Why the Great Western Trail is worthwhile
Regardless of whether you play the basic game or the expansions – Great Western Trail offers a dense atmosphere, strategic depth and an incomparable gaming experience. The expansions and spin-offs expand the experience in a meaningful way without losing the tried and tested feel of the game.
A must-have for strategy fans and frequent gamers – and an ideal gift for board game lovers!
