Treasure Hunter
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.9 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Treasure Hunter is a five-round drafting card game from Richard Garfield in which players compete for coins and treasures that are only available in limited quantities each season. Players draft hands of nine cards by passing them around the table, gaining insight into what their opponents might be holding along the way. Every drafted card must eventually be played, whether or not it helps you grab one of the season's two available treasures. It's a fast-paced push of hand management and read-the-table drafting.
Hobbli's Notes
Treasure Hunter is a lighter, family-friendly drafting game that still has real bite thanks to its limited-treasure structure. Because every card must be played eventually, there's an interesting tension between playing for value now versus holding back for a treasure grab later. It plays quickly and scales well up to six players, making it a solid choice for game night groups of varying sizes. Fans of drafting games looking for something simpler than deck-builders will enjoy it.
What we like
- Scales well from 2 up to 6 players.
- Limited treasure availability creates real tension in the draft.
- Quick five-round structure keeps games from overstaying their welcome.
- Simple drafting mechanic is easy to teach newcomers.
Keep in mind
- Being forced to play every drafted card can feel punishing.
- Luck of the draft can outweigh planning in some rounds.
- Less thematic depth compared to other adventure-themed games.
Who it's for
Good for families and casual groups aged 8 and up, playable with 2 to 6 players.
