# Complexity

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Brian Westad, Daniel Reeves
- **Publishers**: Black Diamond Creatives, LLC
- **Categories**: Card Game, Educational
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Race, Set Collection, Take That

## Verdict
Complexity is that game that grabs you by the hand and throws you into a race against time to save the planet, all while teaching you some really cool molecular biology! If you enjoy a competitive vibe, with direct player interaction and a tightly integrated theme, you'll love it. It's a fast, strategic experience with that 'take that' flavor that makes everything spicier, ideal for those looking for a smart card game with an educational twist.Immersive scientific themeWell-integrated mechanicsDirect and fun interactionValuable educational componentsFast-paced gameplayDice rolling introduces luckCan feel a bit chaoticRequires rulebook attentionRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for a thrilling scientific race in Complexity, where life on Earth hangs by a thread! A chemical disaster has wiped out nearly all bacteria, and without them, life as we know it cannot continue. You and your fellow scientists are the last to hold a viable bacterial strain, but its DNA is badly mutated. Your mission? To reassemble the genetic code for three essential molecular machines: the flagellum (for movement), ATP synthase (for power), and the ribosome (for building everything else). The first to complete these three machines saves the planet!

To do this, you'll assemble the eight subunits that make up these machines, each coded by four DNA codon cards: a start codon, two amino-acid codons, and a stop codon. Each turn unfolds in four dynamic phases: first, in the Enrich phase, you can discard two cards to draw a new one, as often as you like. Then, in the Code phase, play up to two codons onto your sequences (you can work on up to three subunits simultaneously, or two in a five-player game). By closing a sequence with a stop codon, the subunit is safe. But beware! The Mutate phase allows you to roll a die to disrupt a rival's unfinished sequence – you might force an early stop codon, swap one of your codons for one of theirs, or even outright steal a codon! Finally, in the Reset phase, you end your turn with six cards, potentially absorbing an unfinished sequence back into your hand to restart it.

Completing each machine unlocks powerful abilities: the flagellum lets you counter-roll rival mutations, ATP synthase gives you more cards, and the ribosome speeds up your gameplay. And 'Gene Scissors' (CRISPR-Cas9) cards? They're your wild card to edit your own code, removing, inserting, or swapping codons. The game was developed with the consultation of PhD-trained scientists, and the included Lab Manual even explains the real molecular biology behind each rule. It's real science, with tons of fun and strategy!

## FAQ
### Is Complexity a difficult game to learn?
Not at all! Despite the scientific theme, the rules are quite accessible. The manual, in fact, was designed to explain the science behind everything in a super didactic way. You'll be saving the world in minutes!

### How many players can participate?
The game is ideal for 2 to 5 players. The experience changes slightly depending on the number, with some rule adaptations to ensure the fun is the same for everyone.

### What is the average game duration?
A game of Complexity usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. It's perfect for a quick, adrenaline-filled session, whether on game night or a shorter break.

### Does the game rely heavily on luck or is it more strategic?
Complexity has an interesting balance. Hand management and choosing which sequences to build are purely strategic, but the dice roll in the Mutate phase adds an element of luck and unpredictability that can turn the game at any moment!

### Is it a good game for those who enjoy biology or chemistry?
Absolutely! The game was developed with the help of real scientists, and the manual explains the molecular biology behind the rules. It's a fun and interactive way to learn or reinforce scientific concepts, without being boring.

### What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of DNA codon cards, a mutation die, and, of course, the manual which serves as a small lab guide. Everything you need to dive into the microscopic world!