UR: The Royal Game — A Modern Interpretation of the World's First Board Game
Step into the world of ancient Mesopotamia with UR: The Royal Game, a modern interpretation of the world's oldest known board game. Inspired by archaeological discoveries and timeless strategy, this beautifully updated edition brings history to life.
Quick Facts
- Inspired by: Mesopotamia, circa 2600–2400 BCE
- Players: 2
- Game length: 20–30 minutes
- Type: Strategy / Race Game
- Age: 8+
- Difficulty: Easy to learn, deep strategy
The Ancient Game
The Royal Game of Ur is one of the oldest known board games in human history, dating back to around 2600–2400 BCE. Discovered in the Royal Tombs of Ur by Sir Leonard Woolley in the 1920s, and later reconstructed using a Babylonian cuneiform tablet translated by Irving Finkel at the British Museum — it is a two-player race game that blends strategy and luck.
The Modern Edition
UR: The Royal Game is a modern reimagining of this ancient classic, published by Freecompany under the Eldfall Chronicles brand. It preserves the original race-and-capture mechanics while introducing refined components, updated artwork, and an accessible rulebook for today's players.
How to Play
Players race seven pieces along a shared track, rolling tetrahedral dice to advance. Land on rosette tiles for an extra turn or safe passage; capture an opponent's piece by landing on it in the contested middle row. The first player to bear off all seven pieces wins. Full rules and downloadable rulebooks in multiple languages are available on the How to Play page.
Where to Buy
UR: The Royal Game and its expansions — including the Mushussu Plushie, Dice Set, and Miniatures — are available directly from the Eldfall Chronicles store. Retailers and distributors can request wholesale terms via the Wholesale page.
About the Publisher
Published by Freecompany d.o.o., based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Freecompany is the studio behind the Eldfall Chronicles tabletop universe. Learn more on the About page or contact us at info@eldfall-chronicles.com.