Living Forest
- 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.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.2 / 5
- Year
- 2021
About the game
Living Forest casts 1-4 players as nature spirits racing to save a sacred forest from encroaching flames, aided by a rotating cast of animal guardians. Each turn's push-your-luck phase reveals guardian cards until a player chooses to stop or is forced to by too many solitary symbols, shaping how many actions they can take. Players can plant Protective Trees, collect Sacred Flowers, or extinguish Fires, with the first to reach 12 of any goal triggering the game's end. Simultaneous action selection keeps downtime low despite the game's clever push-your-luck tension. It's a beautifully illustrated race against a spreading threat.
Hobbli's Notes
Living Forest's push-your-luck guardian draw is a clever hook, and the simultaneous structure keeps the table moving briskly. Multiple viable win conditions give it good replay variety. A charming, moderately strategic pick for players who like a bit of tension without excessive downtime.
What we like
- Charming nature theme paired with push-your-luck card drafting.
- Simultaneous action selection keeps downtime low.
- Multiple viable paths to victory add strategic variety.
- Solid, well-supported solo mode.
Keep in mind
- Card draw luck can significantly swing outcomes.
- Some fiddly component upkeep between rounds.
- Interaction is mostly indirect competition rather than direct conflict.
Who it's for
Family and strategy-curious gamers aged 10 and up who enjoy nature themes and push-your-luck decisions, best for 2-4 players or solo.
