How to Play Obsession

Obsession is a board game for 1–4 players, typically lasting 30–90 minutes. You are the head of a respected but troubled family estate in mid-19th century Victorian England. This game has moderate strategic depth, making it rewarding for regular players. It has earned a 8.1/10 rating on BoardGameGeek.

Inside the box you will find everything needed to play Obsession. Before your first game, punch out all cardboard pieces and sort the components. Check the rulebook's component list to confirm everything is included. Keep the components organized — many players use zip-lock bags.

Place the game board in the center of the table where all players can easily reach it. This game is recommended for players aged 14 and older. Each player takes their starting components as specified in the rulebook. Follow the setup instructions carefully, as proper setup is key to a smooth game. Decide who goes first, then you are ready to play!

After several lean decades, family fortunes are looking up! Your goal is to improve your estate so as to be in better standing with the truly influential families in Derbyshire. On your turn, follow the actions described in the rulebook. Pay attention to what other players are doing — understanding their strategies will help you improve yours.

Obsession is a game of 16 to 20 turns in which players build a deck of Victorian gentry (British social upper class), renovate their estate by acquiring building tiles from a centralized builders' market, and manipulate an extensive service staff of butlers, housekeepers, underbutlers, maids, valets, and footmen utilizing a novel worker placement mechanic. Study the victory conditions before you begin so everyone understands the goal. You can find detailed strategy guides and winning tips on BoardGameGeek. With experience, you will develop strategies to put yourself ahead.

Read the full rulebook before your first game, even if it seems long — it will save time during play. Your first game may run longer than 90 minutes while everyone learns. Focus on understanding the core loop before worrying about optimal strategy. Most importantly, remember that the goal is to have fun — enjoy the experience of learning something new!