7.4
rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love quick card games with a dash of strategy, Herbaceous will delight you with its push-your-luck and set-collection mechanics.
Highlights
- Fast and fun
- Push-your-luck mechanic
- Set-collection gameplay
- Solo option available
- Gardening theme
Keep in mind
- Short time limit
- Risk decision required
- Simple rules
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Herbaceous is a quick and fun card game that pits herb collectors against each other to build the most valuable collection in just 15 to 20 minutes. Each player starts with four paper containers, each allowing a unique way to group cards: same-type groups, different-type groups, pairs, and any trio of three types. On each turn, you draw an herb card and decide whether to keep it in your personal collection or place it on the communal pile; the next card then follows the opposite route. At the start of your turn, you may choose to use a container, gathering cards from your collection and the communal pile, grouping them according to the container’s rule, and turning them face-down – this marks the end of your opportunity to use that container. The game ends when all cards have been collected, and the final score combines the value of cards in your collection, matching herbs, and the formation of complete sets. Herbaceous blends the simplicity of a card game with the tension of deciding when to risk (push your luck) and the gratification of building sets (set collection). It’s perfect for those who enjoy short, light-strategy games with pleasant themes like gardening and nature, and it even offers a solo variant for testing your skills against yourself. As a Print & Play, you can print, cut, and assemble it at home without buying extra components, making it accessible and sustainable.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
-
Herbaceous - How To Play, by Watch It Play
-
Herbaceous - How to Play Basics
-
Herbaceous - How to Play Solo
-
Herbaceous solo play set up and play
-
Herbaceous - In Focus
-
Herbaceous - Setup & How to Play
-
Play Through SOLO
-
Dara Teaches How To Play: Herbaceous
-
Quick and Complete: Herbaceous!
-
Tutorial & Solo Playthrough of Herbaceous Pocket Edition - Solo Board Game
-
Board Game Bakes: How to make a completely edible Herbaceous game!!
-
Board Game Bakes: PlayTASTING Herbaceous
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Dr. Finn's Games, Pencil First Games, LLC, 17wanzy (Yihu BG), 64 Ounce Games, Arclight Games, Granna, Little Rocket Games, Maldito Games, Matagot, Quality Beast
Designer
Eduardo Baraf, Steve Finn
Artist
Beth Sobel
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
Herbaceous supports 1 to 4 players.
How long does a game last?
A typical game takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
What is the complexity level?
It’s a simple game, great for beginners and quick sessions.
What components are included?
52 herb cards, 4 paper containers, rulebook, and optional solo rules.
Who is this game for?
For those who enjoy light card games, collecting, and gardening themes.
Is there a solo version?
Yes, there are solo rules to play alone.
Do I need to buy components?
No, it’s a Print & Play; just print and assemble at home.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme