Groves (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Groves is a board game released in 2018 that combines deck-building, tile placement, and worker placement mechanics in a fantasy setting. Designed by Michael Cofer, Nolan Nasser, and Jeff Wallace, this game challenges players to cultivate their own magical groves and compete for the favor of the elemental spirits.

Game Components of Groves

88 Spirit Tokens

29 Groves Hexes

4 Player Boards

16 Summoning Bonus Cards

12 Realm Bonus Cards

60 Crystal Gems

24 Dominion Tokens (16 “1”, 4 “5”, and 4 “10”)

8 Portal Standees

20 Earth Tokens, 20 Light Tokens, 20 Water Tokens

1 Crown Token

1 Tree of Idyll Mat

4 Summoning Bags

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Groves

To set up **Groves**, each player selects a color and takes the corresponding bag, adding 8 white spirit tokens to it. Each player receives a starting Grove card that provides crystals and additional spirits for their bag. The Tree mat is placed between the players, and various tokens are sorted and placed nearby. The cards are shuffled into their specific decks, with the Realm Bonus deck and Grove cards set up in designated areas. Three Realm Bonus cards and four Grove cards are drawn and placed face up to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Worker Placement: Players place spirit tokens on Grove cards to perform actions.

Bag Building: Players manage their pool of spirits to draw the needed tokens.

Resource Management: Players gather crystals, element tokens, and spirits.

Direct Player Interaction: Players can build portals to affect opponents’ bags.

Game Objective:

The objective is to become the new Ruler of Idyllon by accumulating the most victory points (dominion points).

Players achieve this by building groves, managing their spirit tokens, and utilizing the abilities of the land and spirits effectively.

Player Experience

Playing **Groves** is an engaging experience that combines strategic planning with a touch of luck. The game offers a rich thematic experience, with beautiful artwork depicting lush landscapes and the four seasons. Players must balance their resource gathering, spirit management, and the strategic placement of their workers to maximize their chances of winning. The game also features a solo mode that is well-designed and enjoyable.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Combines worker placement and bag building seamlessly.

Beautiful Artwork: Lush landscapes and seasonal themes add to the game’s aesthetic.

Deep Strategy: Requires careful resource and spirit management.

Direct Player Interaction: Building portals adds a competitive layer.

Well-Designed Solo Mode: Provides an excellent one-player experience.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Length: Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.

Luck Factor: Drawing the right spirits can be lucky, which may frustrate some players.

Personal Thoughts on Groves

**Groves** is ideal for fans of strategy games who enjoy complex mechanics and thematic depth. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate worker placement and bag building, as it combines these elements in a unique and engaging way. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master its strategies.

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