Herbaceous
- Designer Eduardo Baraf , Steve Finn
- Publisher Dr. Finn's Games , Pencil First Games, LLC , 17wanzy (Yihu BG) , 64 Ounce Games , Arclight Games
- Illustration Beth Sobel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Herbaceous, players compete as herb collectors aiming to assemble the most valuable medley of herbs. Each turn, you draw a card and decide whether to keep it in your personal collection or place it in a communal pile. Containers allow different grouping actions, such as grouping same or different types. The goal is to strategically create valuable herb sets by combining cards from both personal and communal areas.
Who Is This Game For?
Herbaceous is a light family game with a quick playtime of about 20 minutes. Suitable for players aged 8 and up, it also includes a solo mode for single players. No prior experience is needed, making it ideal for quick sessions or as a travel-friendly game.
How It Works
On your turn, you draw a card and choose to place it either in your personal collection or the communal pile. The Push Your Luck mechanic challenges you to balance risk and reward. Using containers, you group cards by type or combinations, then collect these sets by flipping them over, which prevents further use. This requires strategic planning to maximize your collection’s value.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Eduardo Baraf and Steve Finn, Herbaceous was nominated for the 2017 Golden Geek Best Card Game. It combines Push Your Luck and Set Collection with a solo mode. As part of the Herbaceous family, it offers a simple yet tactical card game experience.
Awards
2017
Pro
- Short playtime of about 20 minutes
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Combines Push Your Luck and Set Collection mechanics
- 2017 Golden Geek Best Card Game nominee
Contra
- Limited to up to 4 players
- Light family game, less suited for experts
- Minimal thematic depth beyond collecting
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game theme centers on herb collectors assembling herb blends, set in a nature-inspired gardening world.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Use your containers strategically and balance risk with safe collections.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Herbaceous includes a solo mode and supports 1 to 4 players.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes about 20 minutes, allowing for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is designed as a family game requiring no special prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Herbaceous combines Push Your Luck with Set Collection, balancing risk and strategy.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for ages 8 and up with simple mechanics.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Push Your Luck and Set Collection plus the use of containers for grouping.
Fazit
Herbaceous is recommended for players who enjoy short, tactical card games with straightforward rules and some strategic depth. The solo mode enhances its appeal for single players.







