The beauty of the gems and the magnificence of the cascading
card play makes Splendor a true standout game series. Since Space
Cowboys published the first Splendor game in 2014, it has been a
favorite of families and game groups. There have been other versions and
expansions added, some of which are no longer available. As of 2025, these are
the products currently available:
Splendor Game: The goal of this light-strategy card
game is to be the first player to earn the required points by choosing and
playing cards from a central card display, which require different combinations
and numbers of colored gems to obtain. The cards each have their own printed
gem color as a permanent currency towards further card purchases, which helps
cascade more powerful purchases in combination with physical gemstones.
Strategize which lower-level cards to obtain as building blocks towards the higher
point value cards later.
Splendor Duel shares much DNA with its predecessor as a two-player stand-alone game that provides a few new twists, with gemstone choice presentation, replenishment, and a new rare pearl gemstone. Crowns are introduced as another avenue to win the game other than victory points.
The Silk Road Expansion includes two new mechanisms
and components for increased variety and challenge. City tiles replace Noble
tiles and provide unique criteria for end-game victory, while the Trading Post
variant gives players an opportunity to earn ongoing benefits throughout the
game. Requires the Splendor base
game to play.
The Sun Never Sets Expansion adds a set of Orient cards
that work like the base game cards but have different rewards. A second
Stronghold building variant lets players reserve cards that are played to
effect an additional turn when they play the reserved card. Requires the Splendor
base game to play.
Splendor Kids Game is the most recently published
version of Splendor and is similar to what other games, such as Everdell
and Carcassonne, have done with their younger game versions. It introduces
a similar but more simple version for younger players.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
