2026Tommaso Alisonno, P.S. Martensen
- Videos
- 3
- Creators
- 3
1 - 4 players60 - 120 minHeavy weight

2023P.S. Martensen, Federico Randazzo
Mainly reviews. Shogun no Katana is covered on BoardGameVideo.com by 13 reviews, 3 how-to-play guides, 4 recorded sessions, 2 unboxings, and 2 other videos.
From BoardGameGeek
Feudal Japan, land of mystery, tradition, honor and sharp steel! The katanas have always been fundamental for the outcome of the battles that have elected or overthrown the noble and powerful families that dominate the different regions. But behind these beautiful masterpieces, lies a millenary art made of technique,discipline and sweat poured into the most ancient forges scattered around Japan. The smiths masters, keepers of ancient secrets, have the fate of entire families and the history of their country in their hands. Now it's up to you, you have been called to carry on this ancient tradition. Will you beable to offer your masterpieces to the most powerful Daimyo in Japan and even tothe Shogun himself? Shogun no Katana is a strategic Eurogame that will transport you to the magical atmosphere of feudal Japan. Use your workers to choose which swords to make, among those requested by the powerful local Daimyo. Collect resources to improve your craft, and request your artists to create breathtaking decorations. Have your family members admitted to the most strategic rooms of the Shogun's palace to obtain the privileges of their rank. And finally, create the most beautiful SHOGUN NO KATANA! You will have to manage your Forge wisely, as crafting Katanas will be the real beating heart of the game. The original and innovative sword-making mechanism allows you to activate an entire row or column to work on different Katanas at the same time. Each player has its own forge where all the katana crafting will take place. During the game you will obtain resources, either by visiting the market, the palace among other places. By activating a row or column you can add resources to all matching Katanas, moving them accordingly on the grid. But be careful! Having a lot of Katanas on the grid means that you can accomplish more with fewer actions, but it also increases the risk of them hindering each other. You will have to build your engine cleverly to maximize your turns.
Shogun no Katana has 24 videos from 20 creators: 13 reviews, 3 how-to-play guides, 4 playthroughs, 2 unboxings and 2 other videos. They date from 2020 to October 2026.
To learn the rules, start with "SHOGUN NO KATANA - Explication Des Règles [FR]" by Nixx, which runs 32 min.
For an opinion before you buy, start with "Shogun no Katana ~ Forge a Perfect Path with Razor-Sharp Efficiency ⚔ | Board Game Review" by ThinkerThemer. 13 creators have reviewed it. To see it played, watch "Shogun No Katana Board Game - Pocket Playthrough with Stella & Tarrant." by The Dice Tower, one of 4 playthroughs.
If you like it, try Tameri and Gateway Island, also by P.S. Martensen, or Union Stockyards and Starship Captains, which share several of its mechanics.
8 of 20
2026Tommaso Alisonno, P.S. Martensen
1 - 4 players60 - 120 minHeavy weight
2022Matteo "TeOoh!" Boca, P.S. Martensen
1 - 12 players15 - 45 minLight weight
2022Peter B. Hoffgaard
1 - 4 players25 - 100 minMedium weight
From BoardGameGeek:
Feudal Japan, land of mystery, tradition, honor and sharp steel! The katanas have always been fundamental for the outcome of the battles that have elected or overthrown the noble and powerful families that dominate the different regions. But behind these beautiful masterpieces, lies a millenary art made of technique,discipline and sweat poured into the most ancient forges scattered around Japan. The smiths masters, keepers of ancient secrets, have the fate of entire families and the history of their country in their hands. Now it's up to you, you have been called to carry on this ancient tradition. Will you beable to offer your masterpieces to the most powerful Daimyo in Japan and even tothe Shogun himself? Shogun no Katana is a strategic Eurogame that will transport you to the magical atmosphere of feudal Japan. Use your workers to choose which swords to make, among those requested by the powerful local Daimyo. Collect resources to improve your craft, and request your artists to create breathtaking decorations. Have your family members admitted to the most strategic rooms of the Shogun's palace to obtain the privileges of their rank. And finally, create the most beautiful SHOGUN NO KATANA! You will have to manage your Forge wisely, as crafting Katanas will be the real beating heart of the game. The original and innovative sword-making mechanism allows you to activate an entire row or column to work on different Katanas at the same time. Each player has its own forge where all the katana crafting will take place. During the game you will obtain resources, either by visiting the market, the palace among other places. By activating a row or column you can add resources to all matching Katanas, moving them accordingly on the grid. But be careful! Having a lot of Katanas on the grid means that you can accomplish more with fewer actions, but it also increases the risk of them hindering each other. You will have to build your engine cleverly to maximize your turns.
Designers
P.S. Martensen, Federico Randazzo
Artists
Alan D'Amico, Giorgia Lanza, Paolo Vallerga
Publisher
Placentia Games
Categories
Mechanics