There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-designed game. You know the ones have that are easy to learn, rich in strategy, and just the right mix of competition and creativity. Harmonies is one of those gems. A blend of tile-laying and pattern-building, this game brings a serene yet engaging challenge that rewards both tactical thinking and aesthetic sensibility. It’s a great looking game too and i’ve said a few times i’m a sucker for a nice looking game. This is another game I was introduced to at UK Games Expo last year and i’ve been a big fan ever since.
Quick Overview
- Players: 1-4
- Playtime: Around 30 minutes
- Age: 10+
- Designer: Maxime Morin
- Publisher: Libellud
- Genre: Abstract strategy, tile placement, pattern-building
What is Harmonies?
At its heart, Harmonies is about building a landscape that not only functions well but looks stunning. Each player uses a combination of tiles to construct an ecosystem filled with lakes, forests, mountains, and meadows. The goal? To score points by creating patterns that align with specific animal needs and placement rules. Think of it as a mix between Cascadia and Kingdomino, but with a unique stacking mechanic that adds a fresh layer of depth, pun intended.
How to Play Harmonies
Before the game starts, players must decide collectively which side of the player board to use—the larger or smaller side. Then, there’s the option to include Spirit Animals for a more advanced experience. If you’re playing with them, each player is dealt two and chooses one to keep.
The central drafting board is stocked with three randomly drawn discs on each depot, and the animal market is created by flipping five animal cards face-up. The amber animal cubes are placed within reach, and each player receives a handy player aid (just make sure you’ve got the right side facing up!)
- Drafting Tiles: You’ll select three discs from a depot on the shared drafting board.
- Placing Tiles: These are positioned on your personal board with the aim of completing terrain-based scoring objectives.
- Using Spirit Animals (if playing with them): They tweak scoring rules and add some strategic variety.
- Animal Cards: You may purchase an animal card from the market, adding amber cubes as needed. These cubes are later placed on terrain discs to complete objectives.
- Refilling the Market: At the end of your turn, replace any used discs and ensure five face-up animal cards remain.
The game continues in this fashion until any player has two or fewer empty spaces left on their board (or, in rare cases, the draw bag is empty). Then, scores are tallied, and the highest scorer wins!
It’s one of those games where simple actions lead to complex decision-making, making each round feel fresh and rewarding. I love games where choices matter and Harmonies is definitely one of those games.
Game Components: What’s in the Box?
A well-produced board game isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about tactile enjoyment, and Harmonies doesn’t disappoint. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Chunky hexagonal terrain tiles in various landscape types (forests, lakes, mountains, and fields)
- Spirit Animal cards for advanced play
- Animal tokens and amber cubes for scoring objectives
- A well-designed storage insert to keep things tidy
- A handy scorepad (which is a nice touch!)
- A cloth draw bag (though a printed one would’ve been a premium upgrade)
The artwork is nothing short of stunning, and the pieces have that lovely, satisfying weight that makes handling them a pleasure.
Playing Harmonies at Different Player Counts
Like many great games, Harmonies scales well across different player counts:
- Solo Mode: A surprisingly engaging experience with puzzle-like objectives to optimise your layout.
- Two Players: Strategic but relaxed, with minimal competition over tile selection.
- Three or Four Players: A bit more chaotic, as available tiles become more limited, but the competition adds excitement.
What It’s Like to Play
Harmonies falls into that category of chilled but engaging board games. Sure, another player might grab a tile you were eyeing, but they’re not doing it to be spiteful—it’s just part of the puzzle. The interaction is light, making it a mostly solitaire experience where you’re optimising your own board.
The game offers plenty to consider, with multiple scoring objectives to balance. Managing terrain placement alongside animal card requirements is satisfying, and the addition of Spirit Animals adds asymmetry in a way that feels well-balanced.
That said, Harmonies tends to end just a little too quickly—you’ll often wish you had just one or two more turns. Maybe it’s just me enjoying playing it too much, haha.
Here’s a great video review of Harmonies from Board Game Hangover
Digital Versions & Board Game Arena
For those who enjoy digital adaptations, Harmonies is available on Board Game Arena, making it easier to get a game in when you’re short on time or fellow players. The digital version is a faithful adaptation, capturing the strategic depth and aesthetic charm of the physical game.
Final Thoughts
Harmonies is a game that rewards both strategic planning and creative expression. Whether you’re a fan of abstract strategy games or simply enjoy a beautifully designed experience, it’s well worth a spot in your collection. If you love games like Cascadia or Azul, this one will feel like a natural fit.
There’s very little not to like. It’s comforting, like a warm cup of hot chocolate. It’s a head-scratcher in the best way, keeping you engaged without being overwhelming. The components are gorgeous, the gameplay is solid, and it’s one I’ll happily play again, and again.