Savernake Forest
- Designer Rodrigo Rego
- Publisher Devir , 999 Games , Evrikus , Games7Days , IELLO
- Illustration Núria Aparicio
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Savernake Forest, players take turns drafting cards from an open market to place on a 4x4 grid, creating paths where animals gather their preferred food. Each animal has specific food preferences, and players score points by matching these preferences. Special animal abilities provide advantages like extra storage or turn order priority. The game ends when all players complete their forest with 16 cards, emphasizing pattern building and strategic placement.
Who Is This Game For?
Savernake Forest targets families and casual gamers aged 10 and up, offering light to medium complexity and a short playing time of about 40 minutes. It suits players who enjoy pattern building and strategic tile placement. Prior experience with drafting or tile-laying games is helpful but not required.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Tile Placement, Open Drafting, and Pattern Building. Players select cards each round from a shared market and add them adjacent to their existing tiles, following rules like no two animals on the same path. Animals have food preferences that influence scoring. Tags on cards help identify these traits. Over time, the forest expands and scoring opportunities grow based on patterns formed.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Rodrigo Rego, Savernake Forest was nominated in 2023 for the 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Family Game and in 2024 for GEEKS d'OURO Family/Party Board Game of the Year and Gra Roku Family Game of the Year. It blends elegant pattern-building with open drafting and an engaging animal theme, part of the Animals game family featuring diverse species.
Awards
- 2024 GEEKS d'OURO Family/Party Board Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2024 Gra Roku Family Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2023 5 Seasons Best Portuguese Family Game — Nominated
Pro
- Short playing time of about 40 minutes
- Combines Tile Placement, Open Drafting, and Pattern Building
- Family-friendly with clear rules and strategic depth
- Charming animal theme with up to 23 different species
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited to 2-4 players
- Requires patience planning tile combinations on the grid
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Savernake Forest at the end of autumn, players help various animals gather and store food to prepare for winter. The theme focuses on forest paths, animals, and their food preferences.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on fulfilling your animals' food preferences and placing tiles adjacently to create valuable patterns.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Savernake Forest is designed for 2-4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 40 minutes, making it a relatively short experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Suitable for families and casual players aged 10 and up; some experience with drafting or tile-laying games helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Savernake Forest uniquely combines Tile Placement with Open Drafting and Pattern Building within an animal theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, with a minimum age of 10 and approachable complexity, it is well suited for family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Open Drafting, Tile Placement, and Pattern Building defines its distinctive gameplay.
Fazit
Savernake Forest is a recommended family game for 2-4 players, offering short rounds and meaningful strategic choices. It is especially appealing to those who enjoy pattern building and animal themes.
