Having given the nod to Root for April’s Game of the Month, we are staying firmly within the forest for May. Everdell invites players to step into a whimsical world where critters, structures, and enchanting landscapes come alive. Longtime readers will know that we like whimsy here! As you gather resources and construct your bustling city, you’ll find yourself immersed in a magical forest filled with possibilities.
In Everdell, the game unfolds over four seasons, each representing a round. Players start with two workers and a hand of cards. The goal? To build a harmonious village by playing cards, gathering resources, and strategically placing workers. Here’s how it works:
- Resource Gathering: Use your workers to collect the resources needed to play cards from your hand. These cards can be critters or structures, each offering unique abilities, resources, or victory points.
- Tableau Building: Construct cards in front of you, forming your tableau. You can have up to 15 cards in your tableau, and some cards allow you to build related cards for free. The tableau becomes your city, reflecting your choices and strategy.
- Seasonal Progression: Players advance through the seasons independently. I really like this bit as the asynchronous nature of the seasons helps to open up blocked resource spaces and often results in you second-guessing your approach based on what players enter each season, and when. When you can’t (or choose not to) take any more actions during a season, you prepare for the next one. Workers return, new workers arrive, and any season-specific effects occur.
- Victory Points: At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. Points come from your tableau, completed objectives, and other game elements.
Like many hobby board games, it all looks a lot more complex than it actually is. We found the game easy to pick up, and in the four games I have played, new players were able to grasp the game very quickly.
I love the visual aspect of the game. It’s very pretty and from the moment you set up the game, Everdell’s world-building captivates. The lush artwork, whimsical critters, and charming structures create an immersive experience. that’s just nice.
In terms of gameplay, there’s surprising depth. With only two workers initially, you must think carefully about maximising your first turn. I’ve had to reassure new players that you’re not going to be able to do a huge amount in your first season, and that’s okay. But as the game progresses, you’ll feel the thrill of expanding your city and utilising all your workers. While you’re building your own city, you’re also part of a shared ecosystem. Even if an opponent takes a location you wanted, there are alternative paths to acquire the resources you need.
I feel that, in terms of game length, Everdell strikes a sweet spot, lasting around 50-70 minutes per game. It’s engaging without overstaying its welcome.
Everdell combines tableau building, resource management, and delightful aesthetics. It manages to offer both depth and accessibility. My enjoyment of this game actually makes me want go back and give Wingspan another go. That was a game that didn’t sit well with me at first playthrough, but I think might be worth a revisit.
Sorry, let’s get back to Everdell!
Everdell’s… great? I don’t have a whole lot more to say, really. The game is pretty, and engaging, and fun. It invites you to step into its enchanting forest and build your own little haven. I like that.
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