Architects of the West Kingdom takes place at the end of the Carolingian Empire, circa 850 AD. As royal architects, players compete to impress their King and maintain their noble status by building various landmarks throughout his newly appointed domain. Players need to gather raw materials, hire apprentices, and keep a watchful eye on their workforce. These are treacherous times, and competing architects will stop at nothing to slow your progress. Will you be virtuous, or be found in the company of thieves and black marketeers?

The goal of Architects of the West Kingdom is to be the player with the most victory points (VP) at game's end. Points are earned by constructing various buildings and advancing work on the Archbishop's cathedral. During the game, players need to make a lot of moral decisions. However, only at the end of the game will their virtue be judged. A few underhanded deals here and there might not seem like much, but go too far and you will be punished. The game ends once a set number of constructions have been finished