Botanicus

Hans im Glück, 999 Games, Devir · Board game · 2024
2–4 · best 3 45–60 min Weight 2.4/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a charming strategy game with a gardening theme and solid mechanics, Botanicus is a great choice! It's the kind of game that makes you think about your actions without overwhelming you, ideal for those who like to plan and watch their garden flourish.

Highlights
  • Creative action selection
  • Engaging and beautiful theme
  • High replayability
  • Smart resource management
Keep in mind
  • Slight initial learning curve
  • Competition for actions
  • Can be a bit slow
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Hey there, board game enthusiasts! Ever dreamed of cultivating a breathtaking botanical garden? In Botanicus, you step into the shoes of a 19th-century aristocrat, ready to transform a plot of land into a verdant paradise. Your mission? To attract discerning visitors who aren't just looking for any blooms, but specific plants, arranged just so. To achieve this, you'll need to scout for the finest flora, nurture them with care (water is life, right?), keep an eye on your gardener, and, of course, manage your finances wisely. The game shines with a super cool action selection mechanism, where you compete with other players for the best opportunities. Every choice matters, whether it's acquiring new species, placing your plants on the modular board, or ensuring the turn order works in your favor. Your garden's beauty and visitor satisfaction are what count in the end, so prepare for a charming and strategic contest. With a modular board and variable setup, each game presents a new challenge to see who can create the most spectacular garden and please the most visitors. It's a game that blends resource management, tile placement, and a touch of 'who got what first,' all wrapped in a theme that transports you to a golden age of botany. If you enjoy games with appealing visuals, smart decisions, and a challenge that's engaging without being overwhelming (medium weight!), Botanicus might just become your new favorite.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Families

Category: DIZED Tutorial Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Digital Implementations: Yucata Theme: Gardening
Publisher Hans im Glück, 999 Games, Devir, Feelindigo, Game Harbor, Giochi Uniti, Hobby World, Lautapelit.fi
Designer Samuele Tabellini Ferrari, Vieri Masseini
Artist Franz-Georg Stämmele, Marcel Gröber
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for 2 players?
For 2 players, the playtime usually falls between 45 and 60 minutes, aligning with the game's general estimate.
Is this a very complex game?
Botanicus has a medium weight (around 2.4/5 on BGG), meaning the rules aren't super simple but are quite manageable after a game or two. It's accessible for those with some board game experience.
What does the gardener do in the game?
The gardener is an important piece that you manage. They can help you perform certain actions or care for the plants, serving as a key component in your garden development strategy.
Do the plants have any function besides decoration?
Yes! Plants are essential for attracting visitors. You need to collect and position the right plants according to visitor preferences to score points and win.
Does the board change each game?
Absolutely! Botanicus uses a modular board and variable setup, meaning your garden layout and starting conditions change each game, ensuring plenty of replayability.
Do I need to know a lot about plants to play?
Not at all! The theme is gardening, but the game focuses on mechanics. You don't need to be a botanist to build an amazing garden and win the game.