Apiary
- Designer Connie Vogelmann
- Publisher Stonemaier Games , Albi , Arclight Games , Automa Factory , Delta Vision Publishing
- Illustration Kwanchai Moriya
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Apiary, you lead one of twenty unique bee factions in a distant future where humans have vanished. Build your hive, explore planets, gather resources, and develop technologies to score victory points. Limited worker actions and a year-long flow create a strategic challenge combining worker placement, tile placement, and multi-use cards in an engine-building experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Apiary targets experienced gamers aged 14 and up, with about 90 minutes playtime. It suits solo players and groups who enjoy complex strategy and variable player powers. Prior experience with worker placement games is recommended due to its thematic and mechanical depth.
How It Works
Players control unique factions with variable powers, placing worker bees on action spaces to gather resources and develop technology. Multi-use cards allow versatile plays while tile placement expands your hive. Income management fuels further actions. The game progresses through one year’s flow, ending the round.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Connie Vogelmann, Apiary was nominated for multiple 2023 Golden Geek Awards including Best Artwork and Most Innovative Game. It blends sci-fi themes with bees and innovative multi-use cards. Part of the Animals: Bees family, it’s also available on digital platforms like Board Game Arena.
Awards
2023
- 2023 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Solo mode available for single players
- Variable player powers add diversity
- Combines worker placement and multi-use cards
- Nominated for several 2023 Golden Geek Awards
Contra
- Complex rules require study
- 90-minute playtime demands patience
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a distant future where humans have left Earth, intelligent bees named Mellifera have evolved into an advanced society with space travel technology.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand action options and faction abilities before starting your first game.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Apiary includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes depending on players and experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of worker placement and complex strategy games is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Apiary combines worker placement with multi-use cards and variable factions in a sci-fi bee setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation of 14+, Apiary is better suited for experienced players rather than younger families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of worker placement, multi-use cards, and variable player powers defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Apiary is recommended for players seeking complex worker placement games with thematic depth and solo play. Its length and difficulty require experience and patience.
