Harmonies
- Designer Johan Benvenuto
- Publisher Libellud , ADC Blackfire Entertainment , CoolPlay , CrowD Games , Fjórir Ásar
- Illustration Maëva da Silva
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You create personal landscapes by placing colored terrain tokens and fulfilling animal card habitat goals to score points. Players draft terrain sets from a central area, may take Animal cards and place animal cubes on matching patterns. The game ends when the refill bag is empty or a player nearly fills their board; scoring uses uncovered values on Animal cards and terrain-specific rules (e.g., mountains).
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and families who like puzzles: Harmonies is for ages 10+ and lasts about 45 minutes, fitting a regular game night. It includes a solo mode; familiarity with pattern-building and drafting helps, though newcomers can learn it after a few plays.
How It Works
Gameplay uses Open Drafting: each turn a player chooses a set of terrain tokens from the central area and places them on their personal hex board (Hexagon Grid, Pattern Building). Players can optionally take Animal cards and place Animal cubes on completed patterns; Chaining and Set Collection matter when combining habitats for scoring. After each turn the central area is refilled. Optional Spirit cards provide ongoing effects and count toward the hand limit.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Johan Benvenuto. Harmonies blends Hexagon Grid pattern-building with Open Drafting and animal-focused set collection. It received multiple 2024 nominations (Gioco dell’Anno, Board Game Quest Awards) and won Golden Geek Medium Game of the Year (2024). The optional Spirit cards add variability.
Awards
2024
- 2024 Board Game Quest Awards Best Casual Game — Nominated
- 2024 Gioco dell’Anno — Nominated
- 2024 Guldbrikken Best Adult Game — Nominated
Pro
- Clear puzzle focus via Pattern Building on a Hexagon Grid
- Open Drafting creates interactive decisions
- Includes solo/solitaire play
- Strong presentation and artwork (Golden Geek recognition in 2024)
Contra
- Requires spatial planning — not ideal for quick, casual sessions
- Hand-limit and card management can challenge new players initially
Setting & Atmosphäre
The theme revolves around nature and habitats: you place terrain to create environments where animals settle. Artwork is by Maëva da Silva, supporting the natural atmosphere.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on a few habitat goals at first and use drafting flexibility; skip Spirit cards until you’re comfortable with the base engine.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. indicates a solo/solitaire mode is included.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is 45 minutes; allow extra time for setup and explanation for first plays.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with pattern-building or drafting helps; the game is targeted at players aged 10 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
Harmonies pairs Hexagon Grid pattern-building with Open Drafting and animal set-collection, giving a more nature-focused experience than many abstract hex games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, for ages 10+; younger children may struggle with spatial pattern requirements.
What mechanic makes it special?
Pattern Building on a Hexagon Grid combined with Open Drafting and Chaining is the defining mechanic set.
Fazit
Harmonies is recommended if you enjoy tactical pattern-building on a hex board with drafting; the solo option and 45-minute playtime make it accessible. Players seeking very heavy, long Euros may prefer other titles.
