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Cover of the game Hokkaido

Hokkaido

Lautapelit.fi, HOT Games, Playagame Edizioni · Board game · 2018
8.4 Ludopedia
6.8 BoardGameGeek
2–5 · best 3
30–40 min
Weight 2.1/5
Year 2018
Minimum age 8+
Buy
8.4 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BoardGameGeek
Buy
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Fans of spatial card games will love Hokkaido: quick, deep, and backpack-friendly!

Highlights
  • Tiny box, big strategy
  • Fast and addictive gameplay
  • Great balance
Keep in mind
  • Drafting may frustrate some
  • Max 5 players
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

Hokkaido is the sequel to the acclaimed Honshu, taking players to the mountainous challenges of Japan's northernmost island. Here, you'll build your territory with overlapping cards, creating strategic landscapes to maximize points. The game features 12 rounds split into two phases: first, a closed draft of cards, then placement on your personal map. It blends hand management, spatial patterns, and end-game bonuses — all in a compact box. Despite simple rules, every decision matters: expanding into lucrative areas, blocking opponents, or adjusting your strategy based on available cards. Perfect for fans of quick yet deep games with that 'just one more game' vibe.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Closed Drafting End Game Bonuses Hand Management Layering Map Addition Melding and Splaying Pattern Building Variable Set-up

Categories

Card Game City Building Territory Building

Families

Country: Japan Islands: Hokkaido (Japan) Mechanism: Partially overlapping cards Series: Nippon Home Islands (Lautapelit.fi) Series: Small box (Lautapelit.fi)
Publisher Lautapelit.fi, HOT Games, Playagame Edizioni, Renegade Game Studios
Designer Kalle Malmioja
Artist Jere Kasanen, Ossi Hiekkala

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,316owners
421wishlist
51want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Best player count?
Works well at 2-5, but shines with 3-4 — more draft interaction.
Minimum age?
10+ for spatial strategy, but adults love it too.
Need to play Honshu first?
Nope! Standalone, but fans will spot the upgrades.
Card text language-dependent?
None! Intuitive symbols — great for any language.
Really plays in 30 mins?
Yes, once everyone gets it. First game may take 45min.

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