Pagoda

Pegasus Spiele, Alderac Entertainment Group, Matagot · Board game · 2014
2 · best 2 30–45 min Weight 1.9/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Buy
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you like tactical duels with LEGO‑like stacking, Pagoda offers a quick, eye‑catching experience.

Highlights
  • Smooth hand management
  • Appealing 3D components
  • Short playtime
Keep in mind
  • Simple learning curve
  • Color repetition can feel stale
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Pagoda is a two‑player showdown where each player strives to build up to six multi‑level pagodas. Every participant starts with seven colored cards – five face‑up and two face‑down – which act as the currency for placing pillars on the structure. The first piece placed on a level sets its colour: once a pillar touches the ground floor, all subsequent pillars on that level must match that colour. When the fourth pillar of a level is placed, the player also adds a floor tile of the same colour; the tile bears coloured dots indicating which pillar colours may be stacked above. Pillars score points based on height (1 point on the ground, 2 on the first floor, etc.). The floor tile grants an extra point plus two actions of that colour on the player’s personal action board. On the topmost level the tile is placed upside‑down, showing only one coloured dot; two final pillars can be placed there, each worth five points, completing the pagoda. After three pagodas are finished the round ends, and the player with the most points wins. The game blends hand management – picking the right card at the right time – with striking 3D components, all in a 30‑45 minute light‑weight experience perfect for tactical duels with a friend.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Country: China Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Pegasus Spiele, Alderac Entertainment Group, Matagot, Surfin' Meeple China, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., White Goblin Games
Designer Arve D. Fühler
Artist Arve D. Fühler

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
Exactly two; the game is built for head‑to‑head duels.
What is the typical playing time?
About 30–45 minutes per game, depending on player familiarity.
How complex is the game?
Very light, with a BGG weight of 1.86/5, perfect for quick strategic play.
What components are included?
Colored cards, 3‑D pillars, floor tiles, and a small personal action board for each player.
Who should buy Pagoda?
Fans of hand‑management, 3‑D building, and short two‑player tactical games.

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