Scoville

Tasty Minstrel Games · Board game · 2014
7.9 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 2–6 · best 4 60–90 min Weight 2.8/5
Buy · from US$ 38.99
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love farming and a dash of auction, Scoville will have you on the edge of your seat!

Highlights
  • A strategic auction
  • Fun cross‑harvest
  • Clear grid movement
Keep in mind
  • Watch the auction closely
  • Medium playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Scoville, the temperature is always high – and we love peppers! The game puts you in the shoes of a hired contractor tasked with turning the town into a spicy paradise by breeding varieties and creating even hotter species. Each round begins with a blind auction that determines play order: the highest bidder starts, but beware, as the auction can also secure valuable resources. Next comes the planting phase, where you choose where to place your seeds on the rectangular grid. As the board fills, more breeding opportunities arise: when you move your pawn between two planted fields, you harvest peppers, and if the types differ, you produce a new variety that blends the colors and heat levels of the two. This “cross‑harvest” mechanic is the heart of the game: every move can reveal a new combination and, at the end of the harvest phase, you use the fruits to fulfill the town’s orders. The ultimate goal is to score the most points, coming from two main sources – fulfilling high‑value pepper orders and creating unique varieties that grant bonus points. Scoville blends auction, grid movement, set collection, and once‑per‑game abilities, all in a 60‑90 minute playtime. If you love farming, genetics, and a dash of auction strategy, this game will have you on the edge of your seat!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

8 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Food & Drink: Vegetables Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Occupation: Farmer Series: TMG Originals Theme: Biology Theme: Genealogy / Heredity
Publisher Tasty Minstrel Games
Designer Ed Marriott
Artist Josh Cappel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

7,929owners
1,299wishlist
326want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, ideal for family or friends.
Is the game complex or simple?
Medium complexity: combines auction, cross‑harvest, and grid movement, requiring strategic planning.
What are the main components?
Grid board, pepper pieces in various colors, auction tokens, order cards, and score markers.
Is it suitable for farming‑themed fans?
Absolutely, the cultivation and genetics theme appeals especially to farm game lovers.
Is there a learning curve?
Yes, auction and cross‑breeding mechanics need practice, but rules are intuitive.
Are there expansions or digital versions?
No official expansions yet, but digital versions are available on board‑game platforms.

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