Our journey begins at the dawn of the 19th century. A new crop has revolutionized farming in Ireland, allowing people to raise enough food for their whole family on just a small, rocky plot of land. The nations population expands dramatically, as your family grows and prospersthanks to the humble potato.

But history is no fairy tale.

In 1845, the blight arrives, unleashing complete and utter devastation on the potato harvest. Dependence on a single variety and growing on marginal land poured fuel on the fire, and famine and disease soon spread through the island. British economic policy discourages assistance, but help will arrive, often from unexpected sources. Some will find work in new industries or on the ever-expanding English Estates. Millions more will emigrate, booking passage on dangerous coffin ships to other lands.

In The Great Hunger, 2-5 players will represent families of tenant farmers and field hands. At first, your pe