Witch's Brew
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 9+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.9 / 5
- Year
- 2008
About the game
Witch's Brew is a simultaneous-selection card game from the Alea medium box series, where 3-5 players take on shifting magical roles to collect ingredients and brew potions. Each round, players secretly choose five role cards to play in sequence, with each role offering both a full action and a lesser favor action if claimed by a later player. Timing and reading opponents' choices are key, since later players often get the more powerful options. Ingredients and money collected are used to complete valuable cauldron cards over the course of the game.
Hobbli's Notes
Witch's Brew is a clever role-selection game with a distinctive twist: acting later in turn order is often an advantage, flipping typical turn-order dynamics. The whimsical witch theme and light rules make it approachable, while the role-timing puzzle offers real strategic bite. It's a product of the well-regarded Alea line, known for tight, elegant designs. A solid choice for groups who enjoy simultaneous role selection with a dash of magic.
What we like
- Clever role-timing mechanic inverts typical turn-order advantage.
- Charming witch and potion theme.
- Simultaneous selection keeps all players engaged.
- Part of the well-regarded Alea medium game series.
Keep in mind
- Higher downtime with larger groups.
- Role-based scoring can be tricky for new players to grasp.
- Out of print, may be harder to find.
Who it's for
Good for 3-5 players (9+) who enjoy simultaneous role-selection games with light fantasy theming.
