Stumblewood (2018) Board Game

Stumblewood is a board game released in 2018 by Gigamic. It is designed by Charles Bossart and Sébastien Darras, with artwork by Jonathan Aucomte. The game falls under the categories of memory and real-time games, requiring players to use their memory skills to navigate through the forest and collect valuable mushrooms.

Game Components of Stumblewood

Game cards showing the path

Tokens for movement

30-second timer

Arrow tile for direction

“Go!” tile for movement

Foam objects (e.g., bone, knife)

Grids (4×4 and 6×6) for path layout

How To Setup Stumblewood

To set up the game, players choose either the 4×4 or 6×6 grid, depending on the number of players and desired complexity. The grid is laid out, and each player takes their turn with the guidance of the next player, who looks at the path card and places tokens accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Memory Mechanic: Players must remember the path shown by their guide.

Time Limit: Each player has 30 seconds to navigate.

Movement: Players use arrow and “Go!” tiles to move.

Traps: Players must perform specific actions (e.g., jumping, holding a foam knife) to avoid traps.

Objective: The first player to successfully navigate the entire path wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Stumblewood** involves a lot of trial and error, as players repeatedly start over from the beginning upon making a mistake. The game relies heavily on memory, as players must recall their previous moves to progress. The inclusion of physical challenges like jumping or holding a foam object adds a quirky element but can also be frustrating.

Pros

Clear Rules: The game has straightforward and easy-to-understand rules.

Memory Challenge: It provides a definite challenge to memory skills.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Unique Actions: The physical challenges add a unique and interactive element.

Cons

Lack of Fun: Many players find the game not enjoyable, with repetitive gameplay leading to frustration.

Limited Engagement: The game does not encourage logical deduction or strategic thinking beyond memory recall.

High Failure Rate: Players often have to start over, which can be demotivating.

Personal Thoughts on Stumblewood

**Stumblewood** is for those who enjoy pure memory games and are looking for a light, family-friendly experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking more strategic or engaging gameplay. The game’s unique physical challenges can be entertaining for some, but its repetitive nature and lack of fun, as reported by many players, are significant drawbacks. If you’re considering this game, it’s essential to weigh its simplicity and memory-focused mechanics against your personal preferences for gameplay.

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.