Beasts
Beasts at your next game night?
Add Beasts to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Clarence Simpson
- Publisher Pandasaurus Games
- Illustration Pauliina Linjama
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
Players work together to climb through a sequence of three-digit numbers by altering digits via playing all cards of a single suit on their turn. Mischievous creatures called Beasts correspond to certain card types and restrict where those cards can be played, sometimes moving or fleeing when startled. With limited information exchange, the game emphasizes reading teammates' cues, careful planning, and maximizing each turn to play all cards and reach the highest possible number.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2–5 players aged 12+, Beasts is a short (about 30 minutes) cooperative title suitable for hobbyists and experienced families who enjoy deduction and coordinated team play. New players can join but should expect a learning curve around the restricted communication rules.
How It Works
On your turn you play all cards of one suit from your hand to change the current three-digit number. Core mechanics include Cooperative Game, Hand Management, and Communication Limits: teammates may only share limited information. Specific card types summon Beasts that constrain play locations and can move when affected. Success depends on synchronizing plays, interpreting limited cues, and managing the evolving board state.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Clarence Simpson, Beasts mixes cooperative hand management with strict communication constraints and a dynamic blocking element via the Beasts. The game shifts focus from individual tactics to team deduction and timing. Its short playtime packages tense coordination into a compact card experience.
Pro
- Short playtime (~30 minutes) for quick sessions
- Strong emphasis on teamwork via Cooperative Game and Communication Limits
- Meaningful Hand Management despite brief rounds
- Dynamic blocking by Beasts creates tense decision moments
Contra
- Limited communication can frustrate groups used to free discussion
- Requires coordination and practice to master the cue system
Setting & atmosphere
The game uses abstract card types and Beasts as thematic agents that represent card categories and influence available play areas. The theme is integrated with the mechanics rather than being heavily narrative.
Tips for beginners
Agree on legal cues and review which signals worked after each round to improve coordination without bending rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. Beasts is designed for 2–5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Playtime is about 30 minutes, making Beasts a short, repeatable cooperative session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with cooperative card games and hand management helps, though the limited-communication element has a short learning curve.
How does this compare to similar games?
Beasts emphasizes limited communication and a dynamic blocking mechanic, putting team deduction and timing at the forefront.
Is this suitable for families?
Partially. It's for ages 12+ and suits families comfortable with restricted communication and some prior game experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Communication Limits with Cooperative Game and Hand Management defines its core appeal.
Fazit
Beasts is a tight cooperative puzzle for groups that enjoy constrained communication and teamwork. Recommended if you like short, deduction-heavy card games; groups that prefer unrestricted discussion may find it limiting.
Beasts at your next game night?
Add Beasts to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Beasts to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
