Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for families with kids and anyone looking for a quick, tense pastime. The highlight is the simplicity that leads to bursts of laughter.
Highlights
- Very charming wooden components
- Rules explained in seconds
- Rising tension with every piece
- Fun for all age groups
Keep in mind
- Dice luck can be frustrating
- Games are very short for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine the scene: a crocodile, a penguin, a sheep, and a snake all trying to balance on top of each other in a crazy pyramid. That's exactly what happens in Animal Upon Animal! The goal is simple yet desperately tense: you need to get rid of all your wooden animals by stacking them onto the central tower. The first player to empty their hand wins the match.
But don't think it's just about placing a piece and moving on. The die is the boss here and brings that pinch of chaos we all love. Depending on the roll, you might place one or two animals, or — the funniest part — force another player to place one of your animals on the stack. It's the perfect moment to see the panic on your friend's face as they try not to knock everything over. If the tower collapses while you're building, you take back the pieces that fell, which can be a total nightmare if you were just about to win!
Additionally, there's the option to expand the pyramid's base, creating new foundations so the tower can climb even higher. With charming wooden components and rules that can be explained in two minutes, it's the perfect game to get kids off their tablets or bring the whole family together, from grandma to the youngest nephew. It's a test of nerves, motor coordination, and, of course, plenty of laughter when gravity decides to collect its debt and everything crashes down. If you're looking for something light, fast, and visually cute, this is the game.
But don't think it's just about placing a piece and moving on. The die is the boss here and brings that pinch of chaos we all love. Depending on the roll, you might place one or two animals, or — the funniest part — force another player to place one of your animals on the stack. It's the perfect moment to see the panic on your friend's face as they try not to knock everything over. If the tower collapses while you're building, you take back the pieces that fell, which can be a total nightmare if you were just about to win!
Additionally, there's the option to expand the pyramid's base, creating new foundations so the tower can climb even higher. With charming wooden components and rules that can be explained in two minutes, it's the perfect game to get kids off their tablets or bring the whole family together, from grandma to the youngest nephew. It's a test of nerves, motor coordination, and, of course, plenty of laughter when gravity decides to collect its debt and everything crashes down. If you're looking for something light, fast, and visually cute, this is the game.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
HABA, Conclave Editora, Hobby World, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer
Klaus Miltenberger
Artist
Daniel Döbner, Klaus Miltenberger, Michael Bayer
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
14,766owners
1,161wishlist
197want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the recommended age?
The game is recommended for children aged 4 and up, but it's fun for adults too.
How long does a game last?
It's very quick, usually lasting around 15 minutes.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are super simple, and you can start playing in less than 5 minutes.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 4 players.
Is the game pure luck or is there strategy?
There's the luck of the die, but the dexterity part (balancing) is where the game is decided.
Are the components durable?
Yes, the animals are made of wood, ensuring they last a long time.
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