Photosynthesis: Under the Moonlight

Blue Orange Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Portal Games · Board game · 2020
8.3 Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 2–4 · best 3 30–60 min Weight 2.4/5
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8.3 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Loved Photosynthesis and want more? This expansion brings animals with powers and a lunar cycle that add a fresh, strategic touch to the forest.

Highlights
  • Animals with unique powers
  • New lunar dynamic
  • Adds tactical depth
  • Maintains game flow
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game
  • Focus on strategy
  • Can increase complexity
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The forest of Photosynthesis gets a nocturnal twist with the 'Under the Moonlight' expansion! If you already enjoy the base game and want to add an extra layer of strategy and novelty, this expansion is for you. It introduces a lunar cycle that interacts with the solar cycle, bringing a new dynamic to the board.

Now, the moon also moves, casting its light and creating new opportunities and challenges. The main highlight is the eight new forest animals, each with a unique special ability that can be activated using lunar points. Consider the boar that helps you collect more trees, the hedgehog that speeds up seed planting, the fox that manipulates seeds across the board, or the owl that transforms moonlight into sun points. Choosing and timing the use of these abilities are crucial!

Strategically positioning your animal near the moonstones is fundamental to making the most of their powers. But beware! Just like in real life, spending too much time in the shadow of the oldest tree can hinder you. This expansion adds more tactical depth without overcomplicating the rules, keeping the playtime manageable. It's a great addition for those who want to replay Photosynthesis with a fresh feel and new strategic possibilities.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Photosynthesis: Under the Moonlight English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Components: Meeples (Animal) / Animeeples Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Theme: Nature Theme: Trees and Forests
Publisher Blue Orange Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Portal Games, TWOPLUS Games
Designer Hjalmar Hach
Artist Simon Douchy

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,655owners
544wishlist
55want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game Photosynthesis to play with 'Under the Moonlight'?
Yes, absolutely! This expansion adds new components and rules to the base game, so you need it to play.
How many players does this expansion support?
The expansion maintains the same player count as the base game, which is for 2 to 4 players.
Does the game become much more complicated with this expansion?
It adds more tactical options with the animal powers and the lunar cycle, but it doesn't make the game excessively complex. It's a good way to add depth for those who already master the base game.
What is the average playtime for a game with the expansion?
The playtime remains similar to the base game, generally between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the new mechanics.
Are the new animals' abilities very different from each other?
Yes! Each of the eight animals has a unique special ability, such as collecting more resources, planting seeds faster, or converting points in a different way. This creates a lot of variety.
Does this expansion significantly change the strategy of the base game?
It introduces new strategic layers, especially with animal positioning and the use of lunar points. You'll need to think about how to integrate these new abilities into your game plan.