A Deep Dive into the Most Strategic Azul Yet
Azul: Queen’s Garden takes the beloved tile-laying game in an entirely new direction. If you thought the original Azul or Summer Pavilion offered enough strategic depth, think again. This version dials everything up, from the tile placement challenges to the way you draft and pay for tiles. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you love a good brain-burner, this one’s for you.
Key Game Info
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 45-60 minutes
- Designer: Michael Kiesling
- Publisher: Next Move Games
- Complexity: Medium to High
- Recommended for: Fans of tile-laying games who enjoy a deeper strategic challenge
How Does It Play?
At its core, Queen’s Garden maintains Azul’s signature drafting mechanism, but everything else feels more intricate. Instead of simple square tiles, you’re working with hexagonal pieces. This changes everything.
- Tile Drafting: Players take turns choosing tiles or garden expansions from a central market. Unlike previous Azul games, the drafting market shifts dynamically.
- Paying for Tiles: Here’s where it gets tricky—tiles must be paid for using other tiles of the same colour or pattern. This adds a whole new layer of planning.
- Placement Challenges: Tiles must be placed in your personal garden following specific adjacency rules based on colour and pattern, forcing long-term strategic thinking.
- Scoring Big: Creating large, connected groups of matching colours or patterns leads to higher scores. Bonus points come from efficiently using garden expansions and planning ahead.
Why Queen’s Garden Stands Out
So, what makes this Azul variant special?
Deep Tactical Play
This isn’t a game you can casually play while chatting. With multiple placement rules, dynamic tile values, and limited resources, you’re constantly balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. If you love games that make your brain work, this one delivers.
The Evolving Market
Unlike previous Azul games, where tiles were selected from predictable pools, Queen’s Garden keeps things fluid. Tiles shift, move, and disappear unpredictably, making each round a new puzzle.
The Hexagonal Grid
Square grids are straightforward. Hexagonal grids? Not so much. Managing colour and pattern adjacency on a six-sided layout creates unique placement dilemmas that fans of strategic spatial games will love.
A More Forgiving Azul
While still challenging, Queen’s Garden is less punishing than the original Azul. You won’t find yourself taking heavy negative points for unplaced tiles, which makes the game more enjoyable for those who dislike harsh penalties.
Final Thoughts
Azul: Queen’s Garden is the most complex entry in the Azul series. It demands careful thought, forward planning, and a willingness to adapt. The beautiful artwork and engaging mechanics make it a must-try for anyone who loves tile-laying games with a strategic edge.
Would I recommend it over the original Azul or Summer Pavilion? That depends. If you want a relaxing game with some strategy, stick to the earlier versions. But if you love a challenge and enjoy games that push your spatial reasoning skills, Queen’s Garden is absolutely worth your time.