As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full details on our Affiliate Disclosure page.
My City vs Carcassonne pits two tile-placement games with very different promises against each other. Carcassonne is the modern classic: a shared medieval map that grows tile by tile, ready to play the same way for years. My City is Reiner Knizia’s legacy game, a 24-episode campaign where each player builds their own city and the rules change as you go. If you are choosing one for a family gift this Christmas, here is what each one asks of your table.
Our pick for families who play together often: My City
For a family or couple who will commit to weekly game nights, My City’s evolving campaign is the more memorable experience. It costs about $34.
Price band: $30+ (about $34) · Check today’s price on Amazon
My City vs Carcassonne at a glance
One campaign, one timeless classic.
- Best campaign: My City — a 24-episode legacy city builder for 2 to 4 (about $34)
- Best play-anytime classic: Carcassonne — the tile-laying classic for 2 to 5 (about $32)
How My City plays
Every player has a personal city board with rivers, forests and rocky ground. Each turn a card is revealed, and everyone places the same building shape on their own board at the same time. You score for how well you fill your space and follow the episode’s goals, so the puzzle is shared but every city looks different.
The legacy part is what makes it special. Over eight chapters of three episodes, you open envelopes, add stickers and unlock new rules, and decisions from early games carry forward. When the campaign is finished, the back of the board offers a repeatable mode, so the box keeps working after the story ends.
How Carcassonne plays
Carcassonne uses one shared map. On your turn you draw a tile, attach it so that roads, cities and fields line up, and may place one of your followers on a feature. Finished roads, cities and monasteries score and return your follower. Farmers stay in the fields until the end of the game for a final payout.
It teaches in five minutes and plays in about 35, which is why it has been a gateway game for two decades. Our how to play Carcassonne guide explains scoring step by step.
My City vs Carcassonne: the key differences
| Feature | My City | Carcassonne |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 2 to 4 | 2 to 5 |
| Board | Each player has their own city | One shared map |
| Game length | About 30 minutes per episode | About 35 minutes |
| Replay style | 24-episode campaign, then a repeatable mode | Same rules every game |
| Interaction | Low: race on your own board | Medium: steal cities and fields |
| Price on Amazon | About $34 | About $32 |
Commitment: a campaign or a game you can grab anytime
My City asks for the same group at the table. Missing players makes the campaign awkward, and the board changes permanently. Carcassonne asks for nothing: anyone can join, and a game played at Christmas is exactly like a game played next summer. If your family gathers only on holidays, Carcassonne fits better. If you have a regular game partner, My City rewards that habit.
Which is better for two players
Both are excellent with two. Carcassonne becomes a tighter, more tactical duel about stealing the other player’s cities, while My City turns into a friendly race where you compare boards after each episode. For more options, see our best 2-player board games.
Who designed them and why it matters
Carcassonne was designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede and won the German Spiel des Jahres award in 2001, which is why so many families already know it. My City comes from Reiner Knizia, one of the most prolific designers in the hobby, and it was nominated for the Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2020. In other words, both games come with a strong track record; the choice is really about how your group likes to play.
Gifting either game this Christmas
If you are wrapping one for under the tree, think about the first evening. Carcassonne can be opened and played right after dinner with whoever is around. My City is best given with a promise attached, such as a weekly game night through the winter, so the campaign actually gets finished. For more ideas in the same family of games, see our best tile-laying board games.
Our verdict on My City vs Carcassonne
- Choose My City for couples and families who will play the campaign through and enjoy a story that unfolds.
- Choose Carcassonne for a gift that works with any guests, any night, for years.
- Still deciding? Compare My City with its sequel in My City vs My Island, or browse the best games like Carcassonne.
My City vs Carcassonne FAQ
Can you replay My City after the campaign?
Yes. After the 24 episodes, the reverse side of the board offers a repeatable game.
Is Carcassonne good for kids?
Yes. The box says ages 7 and up, and the tile-matching idea is easy for younger players to grasp.
Which game has more player interaction?
Carcassonne. You can share or take over cities and fields on the common map, while My City is played on separate boards.
Do I need expansions for Carcassonne?
No. The base game is complete. Our Carcassonne vs Ticket to Ride comparison covers what to buy next.
