Miyabi

HABA · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.0/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy quick-thinking games with a touch of art and strategy, Miyabi is for you! It's a beautiful and clever game that makes you think about every move.

Highlights
  • Visual and strategic elegance
  • Depth in simple rules
  • Satisfying tile placement
  • Replayability with expansions
Keep in mind
  • Can feel a bit abstract
  • Theme is lightly applied
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create the most zen and stylish Japanese garden of the season in Miyabi! The idea here is to be elegant, graceful, and super refined, as tradition dictates. You'll need master planning and a keen eye to tend to your little corner of paradise. The gameplay is all about strategically placing stones, bushes, trees, ponds, and even pagodas. The trick is that you do this in multiple layers, as if you were building your garden in 3D. Whoever manages to fit everything perfectly, covering the right areas and forming the most beautiful patterns, will earn the title of best garden designer. It's a game that challenges you to think about your actions and those of others, as you'll be selecting tiles from an open draft. Miyabi is one of those games that leaves you thinking 'ah, if only I had placed it there...', but in a good way, you know? It's pure abstract strategy with a puzzle twist, perfect for those who enjoy thinking and planning. And for those who think they've already mastered the art, there are five expansions to add that extra spice and test your skills anew. It's a game that impresses with its simple rules and the depth of its decisions. A true work of art in game form!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Components: 6 x 6 Grids Components: Polyominoes Country: Japan Misc: Mensa Select Series: Family Games (HABA) Theme: Gardening Theme: Nature
Publisher HABA
Designer Michael Kiesling
Artist René Amthor

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Miyabi?
A game of Miyabi usually lasts around 45 minutes, which is great for fitting into a game night.
Is Miyabi a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are quite easy to grasp, but mastering the strategy and scoring might take a few plays. It's a game with a smooth learning curve.
How many players can play Miyabi?
Miyabi is designed for 2 to 4 players and works well at all player counts.
What comes in the box?
The box includes garden pieces (stones, bushes, trees, ponds, pagodas), a board, markers, and other components needed to build your garden.
Is it a good game for beginners to board games?
Yes! Miyabi has accessible rules and a pleasant theme, making it a great entry point into strategy and tile-placement games.
Is the Japanese garden theme well-integrated?
The theme serves more as a frame for the mechanics. While the art is beautiful and evokes Japanese gardens, the main focus is on abstract strategy and tile placement.
Are the expansions worth buying?
The expansions add new ways to score and more complexity, which are great for players who have played the base game extensively and want more variety and challenge.

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