The Pursuit of Happiness

Artipia Games, Czacha Games, Ediciones MasQueOca · Board game · 2015
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.6/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 42.99
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love putting your choices to the test and seeing the outcome, this is your next title.

Highlights
  • Deep strategic planning
  • Engaging life story
  • Solo rules included
Keep in mind
  • Requires attention to detail
  • Not for those seeking fast action
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Picture starting a character’s life from scratch and, over the decades, deciding every step: study, work, marry, have kids, buy a car, travel, invest in a business, or just enjoy a hobby. In *The Pursuit of Happiness*, time is your main resource – each turn represents a year, and you use those years as workers to choose projects, jobs, or events that shape your path. The game blends worker placement with life simulation: you can place a worker on ‘Study’ to earn knowledge points, on ‘Work’ for income, or on ‘Relationship’ to boost happiness. As life progresses, new options appear and past decisions start paying dividends, whether in money, social status, or new opportunities. The end‑game bonus mechanic rewards good planning: having a happy family, a solid asset base, or a successful career can earn extra points. For those who enjoy strategic planning and personal storytelling, this experience offers a mix of depth and fun. The game works well for 1‑4 players, with about an hour‑and‑a‑half per session. If you love putting your choices to the test and seeing how they unfold, *The Pursuit of Happiness* will leave you wanting to play again.

The setting is well represented: the board shows a map of a fictional city with various areas – gym, market, office, home, park – each offering different opportunities. Event cards bring surprises like ‘Discover a hidden talent’ or ‘Lose a job’, requiring quick responses. The balance between work, leisure, and personal growth is the strong point: you can’t just accumulate money, but also need to maintain health and happiness. The game also includes solo rules, letting those without company still experience the life journey. With quality components – wooden pieces, well‑illustrated cards, and accessible language – the game delivers a solid, engaging experience.

In short, *The Pursuit of Happiness* is a life simulator focused on planning, choices, and consequences, perfect for those who like games that mix strategy and personal narrative. If you’re looking for something that challenges your decision‑making skills while telling a story, this title is on your list.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Crowdfunding: zagramw.to Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: The Pursuit of Happiness Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: LGBTQIA Theme: My Best Life
Publisher Artipia Games, Czacha Games, Ediciones MasQueOca, GAMEARChive, Kobold Spieleverlag, Niza Gams, Playagame Edizioni, Rexhry, Stronghold Games, Super Meeple
Designer Adrian Abela, David Chircop
Artist Panayiotis Lyris

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

9,822owners
1,998wishlist
281want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play?
The game supports 1 to 4 players, with specific rules for solo play.
What is the typical game duration?
A game usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on player experience.
What are the main components?
Board, wooden pieces, event cards, resource tokens, and a set of workers represented by years.
Is the game suitable for kids?
It is recommended for players 14 and older, as it involves complex financial planning and life decisions.
How does the stat‑based turn order work?
Turn order is determined by the character’s age or income, changing each round and affecting who acts first.
Are there expansions available?
Yes, expansions exist that modify player count and add new life mechanics.
Does the game include solo rules?
Yes, there is a solo rule set that keeps the full experience intact.

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