Der König des Waldes

Steinbock Brettspiele · Board game · 2025
Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 2–4 · best 4 7–15 min Weight 2.0/5
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rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A frantic and strategic filler for those who love choosing between personal gain or sabotaging others!

Highlights
  • Quick and fun decisions
  • Great multi-use mechanic
  • Ultra-fast gameplay
  • Cute and engaging theme
Keep in mind
  • Might be too short for some
  • Can be frustrating for newbies
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you love quick card games that still require some tactical brainpower, Der König des Waldes is your next 10-minute obsession! Set in a medieval fantasy forest inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, the goal is simple: be crowned the new King of the Woods. But don't let the speed fool you; the real strategy lies in the nuances.

The gameplay revolves around a hand of cards representing different types of vassals. Here is the twist: you have two main choices when playing a card. You can play it to your own court to secure precious points, or you can play it to an opponent's court. If you choose the latter, your opponent gains a special effect or benefit, but those points now count toward their score! It's a constant dilemma: do you take the immediate benefit to disrupt your neighbor, or do you hold onto the points for yourself?

With 11 different types of vassals, each with unique roles and effects, no two rounds are ever the same. Since the cards feature multi-use mechanics, you'll need to decide exactly when to use each one so you don't end up empty-handed. It's a game of hand management and quick decisions, perfect for a quick filler or to kick off a game night with something dynamic. Gather your animal friends and see who truly rules the forest!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Deer / Antelope Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Theme: Anthropomorphic Animals Theme: Trees and Forests
Publisher Steinbock Brettspiele
Designer Louis Borchert
Artist Roland Deaconu

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

284owners
30wishlist
2want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
It's super quick! On average, between 7 to 15 minutes, making it a perfect filler.
How complex is the game?
It's a light game (weight 2/5). Easy to learn, but with interesting strategic decisions.
How many players can play?
The game is for 2 to 4 players.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes! With the mechanic of playing cards into opponents' courts, interaction is constant.
Do I need any extra components?
No, the game is card-focused and very compact.

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