Bonfire
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 100 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
Bonfire is a Stefan Feld design in which 1-4 players lead a group of gnomes trying to re-ignite the extinguished bonfires that once lit their world, earning trust from the guardians of light by completing tasks. Central to the game is a clever tile-laying puzzle: placing colored tiles on your player board to unlock more powerful action tiles when matching colors align. You'll move your ship between islands, gather resources, recruit gnomes, and build up your city to secure the greatest trust. Its intertwined systems and elegant tile-matching engine reflect Feld's signature multi-path Euro design.
Hobbli's Notes
Bonfire showcases Feld's knack for interlocking systems - the tile-placement engine on your player board quietly determines how efficient every other action becomes, which is a wonderfully subtle layer of strategy. There's a lot going on between movement, task completion, and city building, so it rewards players who enjoy optimization puzzles. The fantasy theme, while pleasant, sits fairly lightly on top of the mechanics. A strong pick for fans of dense, multi-path Euro games.
What we like
- Clever tile-matching engine adds a satisfying layer of board optimization.
- Multiple viable strategies reflect Feld's signature multi-path design.
- Strong solo mode extends the game's appeal.
- High replayability due to varied approaches to earning trust.
Keep in mind
- Dense rules and multiple systems create a steep learning curve.
- Long playtime of over 100 minutes suits only dedicated groups.
- Thin thematic integration for players who prioritize story over mechanics.
Who it's for
Best for ages 12 and up, appealing to serious Euro-game fans who enjoy optimization puzzles in groups of 1-4.
