Mariposas
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
Mariposas lets players guide families of monarch butterflies on their incredible annual migration between Mexico and North America. Across three seasons, spring, summer, and fall, you move your butterflies northward, spread them out to gather resources, and race them back south before winter. Set collection and careful movement planning combine to reward players who balance risk and opportunity at each scoring round. Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, the game pairs a gentle nature theme with meaningful strategic choices. Whoever guides the most successful family of butterflies home wins.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team loves how Mariposas turns a real natural phenomenon into an engaging, family-friendly strategy game. Elizabeth Hargrave's knack for nature-themed design (also seen in Wingspan) shines through in the gentle but thoughtful set-collection mechanics. The three-season structure gives the game a satisfying narrative arc from spring departure to fall return. It's approachable enough for families while still offering real decisions for strategy-minded players.
What we like
- Beautiful nature theme based on the real monarch butterfly migration.
- Three-season structure gives the game a satisfying narrative arc.
- Approachable set-collection mechanics suit families and strategy fans alike.
- Elizabeth Hargrave's thoughtful, nature-inspired design shines throughout.
Keep in mind
- Moderate downtime as players plan movement across the shared board.
- Set-collection scoring may take a round or two to fully click.
- Lighter direct conflict may not satisfy players seeking competitive tension.
Who it's for
Great for nature lovers and families aged 10+ playing in groups of 2-5 who enjoy set collection and movement strategy.
