Botanik

Space Cowboys, Hobby Japan, Rebel Sp. z o.o. · Board game · 2021
2 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.8/5
6.9 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
6.9 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Botanik is a two-player abstract strategy game that blends tile placement with network building in a very direct and quick way. If you enjoy clever duels with few rules, you'll love it!

Highlights
  • Fast strategic duel
  • Fluid and interactive mechanics
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Subtle 'Take That' interaction
  • Low thematic depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Botanik, you take charge of a team of scientists tasked with saving the planet Forharms, which is suffering from a toxic and rusty environment. The solution? A revolutionary technology combining botany and mechanics to create edible and resilient plants! The race is against time and the other team, turning the renowned Beatrix Bury's laboratory into a competitive battlefield.

The game is a strategic two-player duel where the goal is to build the most efficient network of 'mecha-botanics'. Each turn, you have a single action: either you select machine tiles from the open market to add to your workshop, or you use the tiles from your workshop to assemble your main machine. The key lies in the clever exchange of tiles and how you combine them.

Scoring in Botanik means grouping three or more tiles of the same color to form efficient 'gardens' and also ensuring flowers are spread across your creations. Building your network is crucial, and the modular board ensures each game presents a new challenge. It's a fast-paced game with fluid rules, but it demands planning and a good dose of strategy to outmaneuver your opponent. Get ready for a fierce competition where efficiency and long-term vision are the keys to victory!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Mechanism: Tableau Building Misc: Made by Panda Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Two-player games (Space Cowboys) Theme: Flowers Theme: Food / Cooking Theme: Mad Science / Mad Scientist Theme: Nature Theme: Steampunk
Publisher Space Cowboys, Hobby Japan, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Frank Crittin, Grégoire Largey, Sébastien Pauchon
Artist Franck Dion

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
Botanik is exclusively a 2-player game.
How long does a game take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting around 30 minutes.
What is the complexity level of the game?
The complexity is considered low to medium (1.78/5 on BGG), with easy-to-learn rules but strategic depth.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Interaction is present through open drafting of tiles and some subtle 'take that' mechanics, but the main focus is on your own network building.
Is it a good game for beginners?
Yes! Being fast, having clear rules, and an engaging mechanic, Botanik is a great option for introducing more strategic games.
Is the mecha-botanical theme well represented?
The theme serves more as a backdrop for the abstract mechanics. The fun comes from the strategy and network building, rather than thematic immersion.

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