Pollen is a 2023 abstract garden‑building game that puts you in the shoes of a flower‑loving gardener courting pollinators. A single session lasts 30‑45 minutes and supports 2‑4 players, making it perfect for a quick yet strategic play. Your goal is to create the most attractive garden by using flower cards and pollinator tokens. First, you plant flowers by placing a garden card next to at least one existing pollinator token. Then, by forming a line with a garden card in another player's color, you attract a new pollinator, drawing the token and placing it beside the newly created line. When a pollinator becomes surrounded by flowers, it is drawn to that player's garden, and you add up the values of the flower cards that match the pollinator type. The game ends when any scoring token runs out, all pollinator tokens have been placed, or players run out of garden cards. In the final scoring, the player with the highest total wins and is crowned the best garden.

The Area Majority/Influence mechanic means you compete for control of zones where pollinators can be attracted, while Tile Placement ensures every decision about where to lay a card matters. Components are straightforward – colored cards, pollinator tokens, and scoring markers – yet their interaction creates rich tactical depth. The learning curve is gentle, but the game rewards forward planning and the ability to block opponents. Pollen blends charming art, a lively pace, and light strategy, making it an excellent pick for families, friends, or relaxed game‑night sessions.