Undergrove
- 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.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.9 / 5
- Year
- 2024
About the game
Undergrove casts players as towering evergreens with ancient symbiotic ties to the fungi of their forest, trading nutrients as new mushrooms appear across the shared board. Using cube conversion, tile placement, area majority, and a touch of engine building, players claim advantageous locations and optimize actions to leave the best legacy in the forest. It's inspired by real mycorrhizal trading networks that trees and fungi have used for over 300 million years. The game supports one to four players, including a solo mode, in about 75 minutes.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team, already fans of designer Elizabeth Hargrave's nature-inspired work, finds Undergrove a fascinating next step after Wingspan - trading real ecological science for an engaging tabletop system. The blend of tile placement and light engine building gives it satisfying depth without becoming overwhelming. A strong pick for nature-loving euro gamers looking for something fresh.
What we like
- Fresh nature theme grounded in real mycorrhizal networks.
- Combines tile placement, area control, and light engine building.
- Includes a solo mode for solitaire play.
- Comes from acclaimed Wingspan designer Elizabeth Hargrave.
Keep in mind
- Moderate-to-high complexity may take a few plays to click.
- Area control elements can create direct conflict some players dislike.
- As a newer release, it has less established table history.
Who it's for
Great for euro-strategy fans and nature enthusiasts age 10+, playable solo or in groups up to four.
