There’s something truly special about opening a board game and being instantly transported to a whole new world. That’s exactly what happens with Everdell. Here at Let’s Play Games HQ, we’ve spent countless hours immersed in its enchanting woodland setting, and honestly, it never gets old. Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, Everdell has a way of drawing you in with its stunning artwork, clever mechanics, and deeply satisfying gameplay.
Key Facts About Everdell
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Approximate Playtime: 40–120 minutes
- Designer: James A. Wilson
- Publisher: Starling Games (UK Publisher: Asmodee UK)
- Type of Game: Worker placement, tableau building
- Complexity: Medium (approachable but strategic)
How to Play Everdell
The premise of Everdell is simple: you are the leader of a woodland critter community, building a flourishing city before the seasons change. The game plays out over four seasons, and each round presents opportunities to gather resources, construct buildings, and recruit adorable animal inhabitants.
Each turn, you’ll choose between three main actions:
- Placing a Worker: Sending a critter to a location on the board to gather resources, draw cards, or gain other benefits.
- Playing a Card: Using resources to add buildings and creatures to your tableau, which unlocks further abilities and points.
- Preparing for the Next Season: When you run out of actions, you transition to the next season, gaining new workers and progressing toward the game’s end.
At its heart, Everdell is a delicate balancing act—do you prioritise gathering resources, playing powerful cards, or blocking opponents from valuable spots? The satisfaction of chaining together combos, triggering bonuses, and watching your city flourish is what makes it such an engaging experience.
Components: A Visual and Tactile Delight
Few games are as visually stunning as Everdell. The game board itself is a breathtaking forest glade, complete with a giant 3D Ever Tree that serves as both a thematic centrepiece and a practical way to hold cards and workers. The artwork, by Andrew Bosley, is charmingly detailed, bringing each critter and building to life.
But Everdell doesn’t just look good—it feels good too. The resource tokens are top-notch: squishy berries, smooth pebbles, chunky logs, and tiny amber-like resin drops. There’s a satisfying weight to everything, making it a delight to handle.
Playing at Different Player Counts
- Solo Mode: Surprisingly robust, with an AI opponent (the Rugwort rat) providing a genuine challenge.
- Two Players: A fantastic strategic experience with minimal downtime and more opportunities to execute your ideal strategy.
- Three to Four Players: Increases competition for locations and cards, adding a layer of tactical tension.
Everdell scales well at all counts, but I’d say it shines best at two to three players, where there’s a nice balance between competition and strategic planning.
Expansions and Variants
If you find yourself loving Everdell, there are plenty of expansions to explore. Some of our favourites include:
- Pearlbrook: Introduces an underwater area and a new resource—pearls—along with additional worker placement spots.
- Spirecrest: Adds weather conditions and adventurous expeditions, increasing variability and strategic depth.
- Bellfaire: Enhances multiplayer interaction with new market and festival elements, plus components for five to six players.
- Newleaf: Adds a train station with new mechanics and an influx of fresh characters and buildings.
Each expansion adds a unique twist, so you can tailor the experience to your preferences.
Similar Games to Everdell
If you enjoy Everdell, you might also like:
- Wingspan: Wingspan is a similar engine-building mechanics but with a focus on birds instead of woodland creatures.
- Root: Also features adorable woodland critters, but leans heavily into asymmetric wargaming rather than tableau-building.
- Architects of the West Kingdom: Another strategic worker placement game with a completely different (but equally rewarding) feel.
Final Thoughts
Everdell is a masterpiece of board game design—accessible yet strategic, charming yet deep. Whether you’re constructing a thriving city solo or competing with friends, every game tells a unique story. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re in for an absolute treat. And if you already love it, well, there’s always an expansion or two waiting to add even more magic to your experience!