Quick answer
Links are not just points. In Brass: Birmingham, the Network action places canals in the canal era and rail links in the rail era. Links create access, resource routes, blocking pressure, and endgame scoring, so build them when they unlock a plan, not because an empty edge exists.
What links do
Links connect your economic plan. A link can create access to a location, enable coal movement, compete for valuable routes, and score at era end.
- Canal links help canal-era access but clear after the era.
- Rail links are more expensive and often require careful coal and beer planning.
- In the rail era, one rail link costs less, while a two-rail Network action is more expensive and requires brewery beer.
- A link with no follow-up can be a slow point play.
- A link that unlocks multiple industries can be excellent.
Link decision table
Use this table before spending an action on network.
| Choice | Best for | Risk | Manual note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access link | Opening new cities | Low-medium | Good when it enables a concrete next build. |
| Resource link | Coal and rail plans | Medium | Good when it supports resource flow. |
| Blocking link | Denying opponents | High | Only strong when it also improves your own score or access. |
| Endgame link | Final scoring | Medium-high | Needs enough money, beer, and timing to execute. |
Avoid isolated links
An isolated link may score a little, but it can leave your industries stranded. Strong links create a path for future actions.
Source note
This page is based on the official Roxley product page, the official rulebook structure, and source-aware community context such as BoardGameGeek where relevant, then rewritten as an independent player-facing strategy guide.
FAQ
Are links worth many points?
They can be, especially in the rail era, but only if you can afford and time them properly.
Should I block opponents with links?
Blocking is strong when it also helps you. Pure blocking can waste the action you needed for your own economy.