First Rat
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.3 / 5
- Year
- 2022
About the game
First Rat casts you as a family of junkyard rats racing to build a rocket and reach the legendary cheese moon. Movement along a colorful path lets you gather resources like tin cans and apple cores while dodging (or bumping into) rival rat families. Along the way you'll build rocket sections, train rattronauts, and expand your engine through lightbulb strings and helpful animal allies. It's a charming, whimsical movement-and-collection game with real strategic depth beneath its playful theme.
Hobbli's Notes
First Rat pairs an irresistibly silly premise with genuinely clever engine-building and route-optimization mechanics. The flexible movement system (move one rat far or several rats together) creates satisfying tactical puzzles each turn. A great choice for gamers who want depth without losing a sense of fun and whimsy.
What we like
- Charming, humorous theme about rats racing to the moon.
- Flexible movement system creates interesting tactical choices.
- Strong solo mode and variable setups add replayability.
- Engine-building elements reward long-term planning.
Keep in mind
- Board can become visually busy with many resource types.
- Some rules interactions require careful first-play explanation.
- Limited direct conflict may underwhelm competitive players.
Who it's for
Great for ages 10+ and groups of 1-5 who enjoy whimsical themes, engine building, and light-medium strategy with solo support.
