# CoLab

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2024
- **BGG Rating**: 7.0
- **BGG Rank**: #7041
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 90-120 min
- **Weight**: 2.94 / 5
- **Designers**: Jon Mietling, Jonathan Gilmour-Long
- **Artists**: Magdalena Proszowska
- **Publishers**: Portal Dragon
- **Categories**: Economic, Miniatures, Science Fiction, Spies / Secret Agents
- **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Dice Rolling, End Game Bonuses, Modular Board, Variable Set-up, Worker Placement, Worker Placement with Dice Workers

## Verdict
CoLab is a really pleasant surprise for those who enjoy mid-weight games with constant player interaction. The mechanic of using opponents' resources creates a 'forced mutual aid' vibe that is super fun and keeps the tension high. If you dig a mad scientist theme and don't mind a bit of strategic aggression, you'll feel right at home. The game shines through its interaction and the modular board that grows as you play, keeping engagement levels high until the very last turn.Clever and engaging player interactionModular board ensures high replayabilityFun and quirky scientific themeGreat balance of strategy and tacticsInteraction can feel punishing for someRequires constant focus on opponentsPlaytime can occasionally dragRECOMMENDED

## Description
In CoLab, you step into the shoes of a scientist in a shared research facility, where the line between genius and madness is remarkably thin. Your goal is straightforward: earn renown by crafting bizarre monsters, dangerous devices, and unstable potions. However, don't be fooled; the lab is a competitive environment where every move you make might, intentionally or not, benefit your opponents. The core gameplay revolves around worker placement and dice management; your minions don't just perform tasks, they also carry resource dice that can be used by any scientist in an adjacent lab location. This interaction is the heart of the game: will you help a rival to get what you need, or will you try to block their access to valuable resources? 

The board is modular and expands as the game progresses, opening new strategic possibilities and ensuring that no two games feel the same. You'll need to manage your resource pool and decide whether to focus on a specific type of creation or diversify to maximize your renown points. Once a player completes their 12th creation, the game end is triggered, forcing you to balance the rush to finish with the efficiency of your moves. The real hook of CoLab is this 'take-that' dynamic, where you must be clever enough to reap the benefits of opportunities created by others without handing them the win on a silver platter. It's a game that demands planning but also forces you to constantly react to what's happening at the table. If you enjoy mid-weight games with a dash of aggressive interaction and a fun scientific theme, CoLab is an experience worth checking out. The learning curve is friendly, but the strategic depth allows experienced players to find interesting challenges in every round.

## FAQ
### How long does a game of CoLab take?
The game usually takes between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the player count and how quickly everyone makes their decisions.

### Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, it scales well, though the interaction becomes more of a direct duel for control over the laboratory.

### Is it hard to learn?
With a weight of 2.94, it's considered a mid-weight game. The rules are intuitive, but mastering the placement strategy takes a few plays.

### Do I need expansions to play?
No, the base game is complete and offers a robust experience without needing any additional expansions.

### Is the luck factor too high?
There is dice rolling involved, but since you can manipulate and manage these dice, strategy ends up weighing more than pure luck.

### Can I play it solo?
Yes, CoLab supports 1 to 4 players, offering a solo mode for those who want to test their scientist skills.