Owly Tribe (2019) Board Game

Owly Tribe is a board game released in 2019 by designer Eleanor Ernaelsteen. The game is set in a whimsical world where players take on the role of owl tribes competing for resources and territory. The game features cute and colorful artwork by Hellion Cat, making it visually appealing for players of all ages.

Game Components of Owly Tribe

16 Power cards

16 dice of 4 colors

8 location cards

40 Totem cards

1 dream catcher card

Tokens

1 1st player figurine (with the collector’s edition)

Extension: 8 power cards, 8 dice, 5 additional location cards.

How To Setup Owly Tribe

To set up Owly Tribe, players start by preparing the game board with the location cards and the Totem cards. Each player selects a set of dice and a starting hand of Power cards. The dream catcher card and tokens are also distributed according to the game’s rules. The first player is determined by the 1st player figurine. The council of elders is represented by the board, where the Great Owl’s successor will be chosen based on the players’ actions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to influence different areas of the game board.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine their actions.

Take That: Players can disrupt their opponents’ strategies.

Worker Placement: Players place their dice to execute various actions.

Game Objective:

The objective is to become the next Great Owl by proving your worth through accomplishing great deeds and gathering support from the owl tribe. The player who achieves the most influence and completes the most significant tasks will be chosen by the council of elders at the new moon.

Player Experience

In Owly Tribe, players engage in a fast-paced and interactive game where strategy and a bit of luck are crucial. The game encourages competitive play, as players can sabotage each other’s plans using the Take That mechanic. This dynamic creates an engaging and often humorous atmosphere, making the game enjoyable for players who like a mix of strategy and social interaction.

Pros

Interactive and Fast-Paced: The game is quick to play, lasting between 20-40 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Combines dice rolling with area influence and worker placement.

Social Interaction: Players can disrupt each other’s strategies, adding a fun competitive element.

Attractive Components: Includes colorful dice, Power cards, and Totem cards.

Cons

Complexity: May be too complex for younger players due to the multiple mechanics involved.

Luck Factor: Dice rolling introduces an element of luck, which might not appeal to all players.

Limited Expansions: Currently, there are no expansions available for the game.

Personal Thoughts on Owly Tribe

Owly Tribe is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a social twist. It is suitable for 2 to 6 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. The game’s themes of strategy, competition, and a bit of luck make it appealing to fans of games like Carcassonne or El Grande. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely cooperative or very simple game experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.