Botany

Dux Somnium Games, Cranio Creations · Board game · 2024
1–5 · best 3 Solo 45–90 min Weight 2.1/5
3.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
3.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy exploration games with a charming botanical theme and accessible mechanics, Botany might be your next obsession! It's a global adventure with light strategy and a touch of luck.

Highlights
  • Captivating botanical theme
  • Light and fun strategy
  • Functional solo mode
  • Quality components
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Dice luck can frustrate
  • Random objectives vary
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About the game
Prepare for a Victorian adventure filled with flowers and intrigue in Botany! In this strategy game, you embody a Victorian-era flower hunter, exploring the world in search of rare specimens to amass fortune and fame, with the goal of being crowned the Royal Botanist. Each player takes on a character with unique abilities that will shape their journey. Will you focus on long, lucrative expeditions, collecting the most valuable specimens, or opt for quick trips to gain reputation and build your estate as rapidly as possible?

The game begins with randomized objectives that will guide your strategies. When departing from your home base, you can only carry the money you have on hand, which is essential for funding your travels, hiring crew members, and acquiring items that enhance your survival chances, improve your abilities, and optimize your movement across the map. But beware of overspending! It's crucial to maintain sufficient wealth to ensure your return to England with your precious discoveries intact.

Turns in Botany are streamlined to minimize downtime and keep everyone engaged. You'll move around the globe, develop your character, and witness your rise to glory, always aiming for peak efficiency. Points are earned by improving your personal garden, bringing back live specimens, and adding preserved flowers to your botanical collection. The types of plants you hunt, the objectives you pursue, and the events you encounter ensure that each game offers a fresh and exciting experience. The game includes a robust solo mode and has moderate language dependency, requiring translation of cards and objectives.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Global Scale) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Misc: Made by Panda Theme: Flowers Theme: Gardening Theme: Nature
Publisher Dux Somnium Games, Cranio Creations
Designer Amy Droz, Dusty Droz
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Botany?
A game of Botany typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
Who is Botany for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy strategy games with light themes, global exploration, and a touch of luck. It works well for families and those looking for a solo gaming experience.
Is the game very complex?
With a BGG weight of 2.08, Botany is considered a light to medium-weight game. The rules are relatively simple to learn but offer interesting decisions.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game has moderate language dependency. Event cards and objectives contain text, so a translated player aid or translated cards are recommended for a better experience.
How many players can participate?
Botany can be played by 1 to 5 players. The solo mode is well-implemented, and the game scales well for different numbers of participants.
What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a global board, event cards, objective cards, dice, coins, player markers, and pieces representing explorers and their ships.
Are there any expansions for Botany?
Currently, there is no information about official expansions. The base game already offers good replayability with its varied objectives and events.