Pilfering Pandas (2022) Board Game

Pilfering Pandas is a card game designed by Gianfranco Giordano and published by Wren Games in in 2022. The game revolves around a group of mischievous pandas who are on a quest to steal as much bamboo as they can without getting caught by the park rangers. With its charming artwork and engaging gameplay mechanics, Pilfering Pandas has quickly become a fan favorite among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Pilfering Pandas

Panda Cards: Five cards, each with distinct capabilities and two sides for different game modes (cooperative/solo and competitive multiplayer).

Meerkat Cards: Used for building sets of food to aid in the escape.

Loot Deck: A deck from which players draw cards sight unseen.

Hideout (Discard Pile): A stack of discarded cards that players can draw from.

Secret Stash: A set of three cards used in solo play to simulate a second player.

Escape Track: A track showing the progress of the pandas and the zookeeper.

Zookeeper Token: Represents the zookeeper’s movement on the escape track.

How To Setup Pilfering Pandas

Setting up the game involves preparing the escape track, shuffling the Loot Deck, and dealing initial cards to each player. For solo play, the Secret Stash is also set up. Each panda card has its unique abilities, which are important to consider during setup. The zookeeper token is placed at the starting point on the escape track. Players must ensure they have at least two cards in their hand to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw and Play: Players draw cards from the Loot Deck or the Hideout and must play certain cards immediately if drawing multiple cards from the Hideout.

Set Building: Players build sets of food on the meerkats to aid in their escape.

Escape Track: The goal is to move along the escape track without the zookeeper catching up. For an easy game, reach spot 29, and for a regular game, reach spot 35.

Panda Abilities: Each panda has special abilities that can be used to manipulate cards and movement on the escape track.

Solo Play: Includes using the Secret Stash to simulate a second player and manage the zookeeper’s movement.

Player Experience

**Pilfering Pandas** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending strategy and luck. Players must balance the need to collect sets of food with the risk of alerting the zookeeper. The game’s unique panda abilities and the secret stash in solo play add layers of complexity and replayability. The escape track provides a clear visual goal, making the game tense and exciting as players race against the zookeeper.

Pros

Unique Theme: Combines set-building with an escape narrative, making it stand out.

Varied Gameplay: Different panda abilities and game modes offer a lot of replay value.

Solo Play Option: Includes a well-integrated solo mode with the Secret Stash mechanism.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be a bit intricate, especially for new players.

Luck Factor: Drawing cards sight unseen adds an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Limited Player Count: Optimal for a smaller number of players, which might limit group play options.

Personal Thoughts on Pilfering Pandas

**Pilfering Pandas** is ideal for players who enjoy card games with a twist and are looking for a game that combines strategy with a fun, narrative-driven theme. It is particularly suited for families and casual gamers who want a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s solo mode also makes it a great option for those who prefer playing alone or need to fill time between multiplayer sessions. Overall, **Pilfering Pandas** is a delightful addition to any board game collection, offering a unique and engaging gaming 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.