# Oikos ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2024 - **BGG Rating**: 7.4 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4) - **Duration**: 15-30 min - **Weight**: 2.00 / 5 - **Designers**: Eduardo M. Dos Reis - **Artists**: Eduardo M. Dos Reis - **Publishers**: Art ao Cubo, Conclave Editora - **Categories**: Animals, Environmental - **Mechanics**: Action Queue, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Map Addition, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict Fans of ecosystems and asymmetrical play will love this.Resource dominanceDynamic expansionSpecies interactionStrategic scoringShort gameLow complexitySmall componentsRECOMMENDED ## Description Oikos is a board game that puts you in the role of a native Brazilian species leader, guiding its population to thrive amid ecological challenges. The game unfolds over five rounds, with each species playing in ascending order of their position in the food chain, starting with the lowest-level organisms. During your turn, you add a card to the board, expanding the map and creating new habitats; then move your piece to collect resources from the spot you land on; and finally earn victory points based on what you achieved that turn. At the end of the rounds, the final score combines points earned in each turn with resource bonuses. Each species can spend pinecones (neutral resources) to convert 2 pinecones into 1 extra point. Additionally, whoever holds the most of each resource type (meat, fruit, or eggs) receives an extra point per resource. If there are ties, the species with the lowest priority (higher in the food chain) wins. The game stands out for its simplicity and speed: games last 15 to 30 minutes but remain strategic. The action queue mechanic lets you plan moves before execution, while map expansion and area movement keep the board dynamic and unpredictable. The variety of powers for each species creates an asymmetric experience, requiring each player to adapt their strategy to their set of abilities. Oikos is ideal for those who enjoy ecosystems, light strategy games, and species interactions. It blends fun with an educational touch, teaching players about ecology and conservation in a playful and accessible way. ## How to Play Game Objective In Oikos, you control a native Brazilian species, each with unique mechanics. The goal is to be the species with the most victory points at the end of the game. Each species scores differently during the rounds, and there is also a final score based on the collected resources (meat, egg, fruit, and seed). In case of a tie, the winner is the one with the most remaining resources or, if the tie persists, the species with the highest population value. Setup Assemble the initial forest with the 9 special cards (with compass rose) in a 3x3 grid. Each player chooses or draws a species, taking their board, animal pieces, and 5 markers (1 of each resource + star). Mandatory rule: include exactly 1 predator (such as the jaguar). Complete with mid-tier species. In 2-3 player games, each player chooses a support species (uses pieces but does not collect resources). Distribute 6 forest cards to each player (except for species like the jaguar). Place the initial pieces in the forest, following the ascending order of population. Collect resources from the occupied locations. Game Flow The game lasts 5 rounds. Each round follows this order: Players take turns in order, starting with the species with the highest population down to the lowest. Support species are activated during the turn of the player who controls them. Each species follows the steps listed on their own board, in the exact order. At the end of the 5th round, each player will have 1 unused card. Actions and How to Play General Actions Expand the forest: Add a card from your hand, aligning the rivers with adjacent cards. Reduce the forest: Remove an unoccupied card (without isolating parts of the forest). Key Terms Move: Reposition pieces, collecting the resource from the destination. Types of movement: straight jump, diagonal, curved, or adjacent. Remove (predators): Take pieces from other species (except other predators). Hide: Lay pieces down (immune to removal until moved). Consult the manual for details on specific actions for each species. End of Game and Scoring The game ends after the 5th round. The final score includes: Resource majority: For each resource (except seed), the player with the most markers gains 1 point (spending all of that resource). Seeds: Spend 2 to gain 1 point (as many times as possible). Extra scores specific to each species (see boards). In games with 4+ players, the limit is 20 points. Tiebreakers: most remaining resources or highest population. Tips to Win Predators (like the jaguar): Remove pieces in meat locations to gain 2 meats per action. Collector species (like the maned wolf): Focus on diversifying resources and avoid losing pieces to predators. Area control (like the capuchin monkey): Spread pieces in at least 2 locations of each habitat (forest, field, river). ## FAQ ### What is the average game duration? Each game lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on player count and decision speed. ### How many players is it recommended for? The game works for 2 to 6 players, offering fun for both duos and larger groups. ### What is the game complexity? The complexity is light; the rules are easy to learn, but resource control strategy keeps it engaging. ### What components come with the game? The game includes habitat cards, species pieces, resource tokens, pinecones, and a modular board that expands during play. ### Who is this game for? Ideal for those who enjoy ecology, light strategy games, and species interactions, as well as an educational experience. ### How does resource scoring work? Whichever species has the most meat, fruit, or eggs gets an extra point per resource. Pinecones are exchanged 2 for 1 extra point. ## Price Comparison ### Best Offers in Brazil - **TabuLoja**: R$ 31,41 (https://www.tabuloja.com/jogos-de-tabuleiro/jogos-base/oikos-stick?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **Brechó Lúdico**: R$ 31,60 (https://brecholudico.com.br/produto/oikos-stick/?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **PlayEasy**: R$ 32,36 (https://www.playeasy.com.br/oikos-stick?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **Facil Shopping**: R$ 32,46 (https://www.facilshopping.com.br/produtos/jogo-oikos-linha-stick-jelly-monster-1fd5h/?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **JOY JOY STORE**: R$ 32,46 (https://loja.joyjoycafe.com.br/oikos-linha-stick?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **Bravo Jogos**: R$ 32,46 (https://bravojogos.com.br/jogos-de-tabuleiro-e-cardgames/jogo-oikos-linha-stick-p?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/oikos