Oliva
Oliva at your next game night?
Add Oliva 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 Costa , Rôla
- Publisher PYTHAGORAS , Bohemian Games , GaGa Games , HOT Games , HUCH!
- Illustration Marina Costa
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
You play a Portuguese farmer in the 1950s/60s, managing olive groves, harvesting and pressing olives into oil. On your turn you select and reveal action cards to perform actions; revealed cards on all players' boards make actions stronger. The game is played over a set number of rounds depending on player count and the highest VP total wins after the final round.
Who Is This Game For?
Oliva targets hobby gamers and experienced family players who like thematic economic euros. At about 45 minutes it fits a game-night slot. A solo option exists since the game supports 1 player; some familiarity with deck/bag/pool-building helps.
How It Works
Core mechanic is Deck, Bag, and Pool Building: you choose and reveal action cards to carry out harvest, press and market actions. Actions scale with cards visible on players' boards, creating an engine-like progression. The game runs for a number of rounds based on player count and uses VP to determine the winner.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Costa and Rôla, Oliva recreates mid-20th century Portuguese olive oil production with traditional presses and mills. It was a 2026 nominee for the GEEKS d'OURO Portuguese Board Game of the Year. The visible-action-card interaction sets it apart from straightforward deckbuilders.
Awards
- 2026 GEEKS d'OURO Portuguese Board Game of the Year — Nominated
Pro
- Historical farming theme focused on Portuguese olive oil production (1950s/60s).
- Deck, Bag, and Pool Building enables long-term engine development.
- Short-ish playtime (~45 minutes) for a euro-style game.
- Supports solo play (1–4 players).
Contra
- Strongly thematic — may not appeal to all players.
- Mechanics require some learning, especially deck/pool interactions.
Setting & atmosphere
Set in Portugal during the 1950s and 1960s, Oliva highlights traditional olive-oil methods such as water-powered stone mills and hand-operated presses, reflecting the historical importance of olive production.
Tips for beginners
Learn how revealed action cards affect action strength first; understanding that interaction helps plan longer-term builds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. Oliva lists 1–4 players, so solo play is supported.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 45 minutes; novice groups may take somewhat longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with deck-, bag- or pool-building is helpful; the game suits hobby gamers and experienced families.
How does this compare to similar games?
Oliva blends a historical farming theme with deck/pool-building and visible action-card interaction, differing from pure deckbuilders by its board-visible interactions.
Is this suitable for families?
With a suggested age of 10+ it can work for families, but its mechanical depth leans toward experienced family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The central mechanic is Deck, Bag, and Pool Building combined with visible action cards that modify action potency.
Fazit
Good pick for players who enjoy thematic farming with deck/pool mechanics. Recommended if you like historical settings and engine development through visible action cards.
Oliva at your next game night?
Add Oliva to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Oliva to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
