Papillon is that game that hooks you with its beauty and keeps you engaged with its strategy! If you enjoy a spatial puzzle with a touch of auction and area control, you'll feel right at home. It's perfect for those looking for a relaxing experience, but with decisions that matter, and on top of that, it looks gorgeous on the table. The overall impression is of an elegant, accessible game with surprising depth.
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Highlights
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Beautiful 3D components
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Accessible rules
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Strategic depth
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Innovative butterfly mechanic
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Charming theme
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Keep in mind
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Indirect interaction
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Can have analysis paralysis
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About the game
What you do in a play session
In Papillon, you step into the shoes of a visionary gardener, tasked with creating the most spectacular butterfly garden in the neighborhood! Spring has arrived, and the world is in full bloom, ready for you to attract the most beautiful butterflies. This is a tile-drafting, tableau-building, and area majority game for 2 to 4 players, where each round you'll bid for flowerbeds to expand your garden. Get ready for a game that unfolds over 8 intense rounds, where your decisions in each floral tile auction are crucial. The idea is to attract caterpillars that, after transforming, will become butterflies eager for nectar, and of course, no garden is complete without a gnome! At the end of the game, the gardener with the most nectar will be the grand winner. Papillon stands out with its beautiful 3D components that bring flowers and butterflies to life on your table, easy-to-learn rules, but with a strategic depth that will challenge even the most experienced players. The innovative butterfly mechanic also encourages you to move them around the garden, adding an extra layer of fun and strategy.
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Gallery
Box and component photos
11 photos · from the community
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businessPublisherKolossal Games, Gen-X Games (GenX), Tesla Games, Wydawnictwo AWM
editDesignerJ.B. Howell
paletteArtistChris Byer, Whitney Rader
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,114owners
286wishlist
25want to play
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
What is the average playtime for Papillon? expand_more
A game of Papillon typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions or fitting in between longer games.
How many players can play Papillon? expand_more
Papillon is designed for 2 to 4 players, working very well at all counts, but the auction dynamic can be more tense with more people.
Is Papillon a complex game for beginners? expand_more
No! It has very accessible rules, which makes it great for beginners. However, the strategic depth allows more experienced players to also find interesting challenges.
What are the main components of the game? expand_more
The highlights are the 3D flower and butterfly pieces, which are super charming and give the game an incredible look. Plus, there are garden tiles and gnomes, of course!
Who is Papillon best suited for? expand_more
It's highly recommended for those who enjoy abstract strategy games, tile placement, and a touch of auction. If you appreciate a light theme and beautiful components, you'll love it!
Is there much player interaction? expand_more
Interaction is primarily indirect, through competing for tiles in the auction and area control. You don't directly attack opponents, but your choices affect their options.
