Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love mystical-themed Eurogames and enjoy optimizing every move. The highlight is the variety of worker types.
Highlights
- Immersive and engaging theme
- Varied worker placement mechanics
- Satisfying power progression
- Beautifully illustrated components
Keep in mind
- Moderate learning curve
- Can be long for beginners
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine a secret, vast forest where, at its heart, stands the Arch-Oak—a majestic tree so ancient it's said the Gods used its wood to craft the very first humans and animals. This is the setting of Oak, where you take charge of one of four druidic orders competing for a single honor: proving your order is worthy enough to be chosen by the Arch-Oak's spirit and unlock its ancient secrets.
Your journey begins with a small, insignificant group, but the core of the game is about growth and stature. Success depends on how efficiently you deploy your druids. You'll manage different worker types, each with a specific role: Arch-druids sanctify sacred sites and erect rune-etched monoliths; Bards spin tall tales to recruit more followers; Ovates read omens to glimpse the future; and Sacrificers use force to protect the order's beliefs.
But you won't be navigating the woods alone. To truly thrive, you must gain the friendship of otherworldly creatures, such as the mischievous brownies, the terrifying merrows, and the magical pixies. Along the way, you'll master powerful wild spells and uncover mighty artifacts that provide crucial advantages. However, there's a risk: by creating too many sacred places to house your growing flock, you might upset the natural balance of the forest, which could lead to complications.
Blending worker placement, hand management, and set collection, Oak challenges players to optimize every action. Can you transform your humble order into a powerful spiritual force and uncover the secrets of the ancients? The forest is wide, but the Arch-Oak's recognition is reserved only for those who can balance power and wisdom perfectly.
Your journey begins with a small, insignificant group, but the core of the game is about growth and stature. Success depends on how efficiently you deploy your druids. You'll manage different worker types, each with a specific role: Arch-druids sanctify sacred sites and erect rune-etched monoliths; Bards spin tall tales to recruit more followers; Ovates read omens to glimpse the future; and Sacrificers use force to protect the order's beliefs.
But you won't be navigating the woods alone. To truly thrive, you must gain the friendship of otherworldly creatures, such as the mischievous brownies, the terrifying merrows, and the magical pixies. Along the way, you'll master powerful wild spells and uncover mighty artifacts that provide crucial advantages. However, there's a risk: by creating too many sacred places to house your growing flock, you might upset the natural balance of the forest, which could lead to complications.
Blending worker placement, hand management, and set collection, Oak challenges players to optimize every action. Can you transform your humble order into a powerful spiritual force and uncover the secrets of the ancients? The forest is wide, but the Arch-Oak's recognition is reserved only for those who can balance power and wisdom perfectly.
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
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Game Brewer, Cranio Creations, Delta Vision Publishing, Dexker Games, Grok Games, Lotus Frog Games, Maldito Games, TLAMA games
Designer
Wim Goossens
Artist
Maciej Janik
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,347owners
1,016wishlist
120want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game too complex?
It has a medium weight (3.13 on BGG), so it's not a gateway game. It requires planning and attention to interactions, but it's manageable for those familiar with modern board games.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 60 and 90 minutes. Playtime may vary depending on the group's experience and the number of players.
Does it work well in solo mode?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 4 players, allowing you to test your strategies even when playing alone.
Who is this game for?
It's ideal for fans of management games, worker placement, and those who enjoy fantasy and druidism themes.
What makes the worker placement different here?
The key is the different worker types (Bards, Ovates, etc.), each with specific functions, preventing the game from being a simple 'first-come, first-served' race.
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