Zuuili is a card game that strikes the perfect balance between strategy and lighthearted fun. Enter Zuuli, a charmingly chaotic card-drafting game that’ll have you puzzling over the best way to build your ultimate wildlife sanctuary.
Quick Facts About Zuuli
- Players: 1–5
- Playtime: 20–30 minutes
- Age: 8+
- Publisher: Unfringed
- Designer: Chris Priscott
- Theme: Wildlife conservation, sanctuary building
- Game Type: Card drafting, set collection
What’s Zuuli All About?
At its core, Zuuli is a game about acquiring animals and habitats while ensuring you have the right enclosures to house them. Sounds easy? Think again! The challenge comes from balancing your sanctuary’s capacity, keeping animals happy, and—most importantly—outplaying your opponents. With adorable animal illustrations and a gameplay style that keeps everyone on their toes, it’s got just the right mix of strategy and charm.
How Do You Play Zuuli?
Setting up Zuuli is a breeze. Each player starts with an empty sanctuary and builds it over three rounds by drafting cards. Here’s how it works:
- Draft Cards – Players take turns picking from a shared pool of animal, enclosure, and upgrade cards.
- Build Your Sanctuary – Carefully place your cards to create the best possible layout. Some animals need specific enclosures, while others might cause trouble if housed incorrectly.
- Score Points – At the end of the game, points are awarded based on how well your sanctuary accommodates its animals. The happiest animals bring in the most points!
Why I Love Zuuli
Honestly, what makes Zuuli such a winner for me is how deceptively tricky it can be. Sure, it’s got cute animals and a quick setup, but don’t let that fool you—it’ll have you second-guessing every decision. Do you grab that tiger, knowing you might not get the right enclosure later? Or play it safe with a monkey that fits anywhere?
It’s also fantastic for different group sizes. Whether you’re playing a quick solo session or a lively five-player game, it scales beautifully. And let’s be real—games with animals just have an extra layer of fun.
