Kodama: The Tree Spirits

Action Phase Games, Capsicum Games, Devir · Board game · 2016

7.4 Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 2–5 · best 3 30 min Weight 1.6/5

Buy · from US$ 13.50

7.4 rating Ludopedia

6.7 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 13.50

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Kodama is a charming and strategic game that will appeal to those who enjoy creating something visually appealing while thinking about their moves. It's a great choice for relaxing and having fun!

Highlights

Beautiful art and engaging theme
Creative and accessible mechanics
Satisfying to see the tree grow
Quick and easy to learn

Keep in mind

Can have a bit of luck
Indirect player interaction
Requires attention to detail

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

Hey everyone! Ready to tend to the forest? In Kodama: The Tree Spirits, you take on the role of a caretaker for the Kodamas, the tree spirits, and your mission is to make the woods a healthy and vibrant home for these little friends. Over three rounds that simulate the seasons, you'll plant and cultivate your tree, adding flowers, insects, and arranging branches just right. The goal is to make your Kodama as happy as possible, because at the end of each season, it will award you points if your tree meets its needs. It's a game that blends strategy with a touch of luck, where you need to plan carefully where to place your cards so they fit together and still leave room for future growth. The art is beautiful, and the mechanics are clever, making Kodama a super charming and fun game for the whole family. Get ready to watch your tree grow and hope it pleases the spirit that inhabits it!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

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 REC

5 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Action Phase Games, Capsicum Games, Devir, Gémklub, Indie Boards & Cards, KOSMOS, Pendragon Game Studio

Designer Daniel Solis

Artist Kwanchai Moriya, Mirko Suzuki, Scott Hartman

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

12,849owners

1,023wishlist

99want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

What is the average playtime for Kodama: The Tree Spirits?

A game of Kodama typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.

How many players can participate?

The game is for 2 to 5 players. It works well at all counts, but can become a bit more tactical with more people.

Is Kodama a difficult game to learn?

No, the complexity is considered low to moderate. The basic rules are simple, but strategies can deepen as you play.

Do I need to translate the cards?

The game has moderate language dependency. We recommend having a translated reference for the cards or printing a guide to help understand the icons and effects.

Who is Kodama best suited for?

It's perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a beautiful game with a light theme and interesting mechanics, without being overly complex.

What is the main objective of the game?

The goal is to cultivate the happiest tree for your Kodama by combining flower, insect, and branch cards according to its preferences at the end of each season to score points.

Are the components good quality?

Yes, the game usually features good quality components, with a highlight on the beautiful card illustrations that add a special charm to the experience.