Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love Karuba, you’ll enjoy the extra risk the volcano adds.
Highlights
- Adds strategic tension
- Keeps game quick
- Easy to learn
Keep in mind
- Penalizes moves near volcano
- Doesn’t change core rules
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Karuba: The Volcano arrives as a lively expansion for the beloved Karuba base game, adding a volcanic twist to the jungle‑exploration puzzle. Each player gets a volcano tile that must be placed on one of the twelve interior squares of their island board, never on the edge, ensuring every map stays distinct. The volcano has no path, so adventurers cannot travel through it; however, whenever a explorer moves onto a space directly next to the volcano (horizontally or vertically), they must spend two movement points instead of one, turning a simple step into a costly maneuver. Core mechanics stay the same – grid movement, route building, simultaneous action selection, and tile placement – but the extra obstacle forces new strategic choices, like taking longer, penalty‑free routes or daring a shortcut near the volcano. Playtime remains 30‑40 minutes for 2‑4 players, with a light family‑friendly weight of 1.33/5, perfect for fans of puzzles and racing without heavy complexity. Components include the volcano tiles, simple yet thematic, and the expansion was originally bundled in the Brettspiel Adventskalender 2016 on day three. In short, the set adds a "extra cost" element that makes the board feel more alive and challenging while preserving Karuba's core experience. If you already love the base game, you’ll enjoy figuring out how to dodge the lava flow and still reach the temple first.
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Frosted Games, HABA
Designer
Rüdiger Dorn
Artist
Claus Stephan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
898owners
78wishlist
42want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Approximately 30–40 minutes.
Do I need to know the base Karuba rules first?
Yes, the expansion assumes you’re already familiar with the base game.
What does the volcano change?
It blocks passage and doubles the movement cost for tiles next to it.
What components are included?
One volcano tile per player and a brief rule insert.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, with adult supervision; the mechanics are simple and visual.
Can I use the expansion without the Advent Calendar?
Absolutely, you can buy the expansion separately or locate the pieces online.