Heaven & Ale
- Designer Michael Kiesling , Andreas Schmidt
- Publisher eggertspiele , Arclight Games , Ediciones MasQueOca , Pegasus Spiele , Piatnik Distribution
- Illustration Christian Fiore
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Heaven & Ale, you lead an ancient monastery brewery and strive to brew the best beer under God's blue sky. You carefully balance upgrading your cloister's garden and harvesting resources needed to fill your barrels. Timing your actions and managing the right number of monks for harvest are key. The competition is tough, and only players who keep a cool head prevail in the race for the best beer.
Who Is This Game For?
Heaven & Ale targets experienced gamers who enjoy economic strategy and tactical depth. With an average playtime of 90 minutes, it demands patience and planning. The game's medium complexity suits players familiar with worker placement and tile placement mechanics.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Grid Coverage, Rondel, and Tile Placement. Players place monks and resources on a grid to optimize their cloister garden and advance their brewery. Action selection is managed via a Rondel wheel, controlling the flow of turns. Once-per-game abilities add tactical options, and scoring follows a Highest-Lowest principle.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Michael Kiesling and Andreas Schmidt, Heaven & Ale won the Meeples Choice Award in 2017. It uniquely blends beer brewing theme with strategic mechanics like Track Movement and Once-Per-Game Abilities. Part of the Food & Drink family focusing on beer, it stands out for combining economic and tile placement gameplay.
Awards
2018
2017
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel — Nominated
- 2018 Goblin Magnifico — Nominated
- 2017 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Deep economic and tactical gameplay
- Grid Coverage and Rondel mechanics offer varied planning
- Designed for 2-4 players, no solo mode
- Winner of the 2017 Meeples Choice Award
Contra
- Not suitable for casual gamers due to medium complexity
- 90-minute duration requires focus and planning
- Recommended age 12+, not aimed at children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in an ancient monastery brewery, the game immerses players in the world of monks and beer brewing, emphasizing cloister gardens and resource management.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on timing your actions and balancing garden upgrades with resource harvesting.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Heaven & Ale supports 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, suitable for an extended gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with economic and tactical games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Heaven & Ale uniquely combines Grid Coverage, Rondel mechanics, and once-per-game abilities within a beer brewing theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its medium complexity and recommended age of 12+, it is better suited for experienced players than for families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Grid Coverage, Rondel, and Once-Per-Game Abilities creates tactical depth and variety.
Fazit
Heaven & Ale is recommended for players seeking strategic challenges with thematic depth. It's especially suited for fans of economic games with medium playtime and moderate complexity.
