18Hedjaz 2026

18Hedjaz is a strategic railroad game set in the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. It centers on the construction of the Hedjaz railroad from Damascus to Medina - a project with religious, military and geopolitical significance. Players take on the roles of investors and railroad directors, build routes, trade in shares and influence the development of the region. But resistance, for example from Lawrence of Arabia, threatens progress.

The game is based on the mechanics of the 18xx series:

Switch between stock market rounds (share trading, dividends) and operating rounds (train operation, line construction). New elements: Hedjaz phase (route development in the Ottoman Empire) and Lawrence phase (sabotage, loss of income).

Special features:

Unique faction abilities (e.g. money bonuses, espionage) that create asymmetrical starting conditions. Private companies that are auctioned off and offer tactical advantages.

18Hedjaz combines historical themes and economic strategy. It offers high replayability through diverse combinations of abilities, companies and geopolitical events. Whoever controls the railroad shapes the future of the Middle East - but must be prepared for disruptions and power games.

—description from the designer