#25: Everdell (Mark's Top 100 2024)

Everdell 

BoardGameGeek

• rank: 36
• rating: 8.0
• published: 2018
• designer: James A. Wilson

Print Status

• in print

Why It's On The List

• Based on the recommendations of others gamers (especially fellow Opinionated Gamer Chris Wray), I splurged on the Everdell Complete Collection without ever having played the game. As you can tell by where I placed this on my top 100 list, I don't regret that decision.

Tips & Tricks:

• Everdell is a combination of worker placement and tableau building... all in service to the creation of a world filled with anthropomorphic forest critters. The whimsical and beautiful card and board art makes the game even more enjoyable to play.
• The seasons mechanic has a number of interesting strategic considerations - since by not moving into the next season, you block other players from certain worker placement spaces.
• While the game will play five players, we've found it most enjoyable at 2-3 players.
• My sons' favorite expansion is Spirecrest (which add the large animals and the trek across the mountains)... I'm partial to New Leaf (which adds the train station and all the visitors).
• Timing is everything in Everdell... 

Extras

• The production of the Everdell Complete Collection is stunning - the only problem is how dang big the box is.
• Picture above includes both Mistwood and New Leaf.
• There are two solo modes: Rugwort (which is mildly entertaining) and Mistwood (Nightweave & her spider crew) that really shines. I’ve barely scratched the surface of the personalities, plans, and plots available in the Mistwood expansion.
• BTW, Chris Wray posted a weeks worth of Everdell reviews that are a great read if you’re interested. (These reviews pre-date the newest expansions, New Leaf & Mistwood.)