The Brilliant Abstract Strategy Game You Need to Try
If you love games that blend tactical depth with simple rules, then Hive is an absolute gem. It’s a strategic two-player game that’s quick to learn but full of clever moves, much like chess but without the board. And the best part? It’s portable, highly replayable, and perfect for those who enjoy outwitting their opponents through smart positioning.
Quick Facts About Hive
- Designer: John Yianni
- Publisher: Gen42 Games
- Players: 2
- Playtime: Around 20 minutes
- Game Type: Abstract strategy, tile placement
- Theme: Insect-based tactical warfare (though the theme is light)
What’s in the Box?
Hive is a minimalist game in the best way possible. There’s no board—just a set of chunky hexagonal tiles that feel satisfyingly weighty in your hands. Each tile represents an insect, with different movement abilities:
- Queen Bee – The heart of your colony; lose her, and you lose the game. Moves one space at a time.
- Spiders – Always move exactly three spaces.
- Ants – The most mobile, scurrying anywhere around the hive.
- Beetles – Can climb on top of other tiles, pinning them in place.
- Grasshoppers – Jump in a straight line over adjacent pieces.
There are expansions that introduce new bugs like the Mosquito and Pillbug, adding even more tactical options, but the base game is more than enough to keep you entertained for ages.
How to Play Hive
Setting up Hive is as easy as placing a single tile. The game starts with each player placing one of their pieces (usually an insect of their choice) on the table. From there, the players take turns placing new pieces or moving existing ones.
The Key Rules:
- No Board Needed – The pieces create the playing area as the game progresses.
- You Must Place Your Queen by the Fourth Turn – No delaying your most important piece!
- Tiles Must Always Stay Connected – You can’t split the hive into separate groups.
- Only One Hand Can Touch a Tile at a Time – A minor rule, but it keeps movement fair and deliberate.
- The Objective? Surround Your Opponent’s Queen!
If your opponent’s Queen Bee is completely surrounded—by their own or your pieces—they lose.
It sounds simple, but the possibilities for clever positioning, blocking, and trapping are nearly endless.
Why Hive is So Brilliant
There’s something addictive about Hive. The lack of a board makes it feel organic—pieces shift and build up in unexpected ways, and no two games ever feel the same.
The game hits that perfect balance between accessibility and deep strategy. A new player can grasp the rules in minutes, but mastering Hive takes time. If you enjoy games like chess, Go, or Santorini, this will scratch that same strategic itch without the commitment of a long session.
And let’s not forget the portability. Hive is perfect for travel. The bakelite tiles are durable and waterproof, meaning you can play it anywhere—on the beach, at a pub, even mid-flight on a tray table.
Hive Expansions and Variants
While the base game is fantastic on its own, expansions can spice things up:
- The Mosquito – Copies the movement of any adjacent piece.
- The Ladybug – Moves two spaces up and one back down, great for hopping over obstacles.
- The Pillbug – Can pick up and move adjacent pieces, making it a game-changer.
There’s also Hive Pocket, a smaller travel version that’s identical in gameplay but easier to carry around.
Final Thoughts on Hive
Hive is one of those games that deserves more attention. It’s simple yet profound, quick yet deep, and it plays beautifully in almost any setting. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just looking for something fun and different, Hive is a must-try.
If you’re after a game that challenges your brain without requiring hours of learning, this is the one. Pick it up, start playing, and prepare to get hooked!