The Swarm
The Swarm at your next game night?
Add The Swarm 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 Michael Kiesling , Wolfgang Kramer
- Publisher KOSMOS , Z-Man Games
- Illustration Franz Vohwinkel
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
In The Swarm, players represent nations sending scientists to confront an ecological catastrophe caused by unknown marine life. Players select action cards in open drafting from a row, or purchase different cards by spending victory points. They build research networks through tile placement, scoring points for the largest connected networks and connections to central research stations by round end and game end.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 12 and up, The Swarm is a medium to heavy strategy game suited for experienced players. With about 75 minutes per game, it demands tactical planning and familiarity with mechanics like network building and tile placement.
How It Works
The core mechanic is open drafting: players take turns picking the leftmost action card from a row or buy other cards by paying victory points. Using these actions, players place tiles to build connected research networks on the board. Points are awarded for the size and connectivity of these networks, requiring strategic card selection and route building.
What Makes It Special
Based on Frank Schätzing's novel and part of Kosmos' literature game series, The Swarm combines Network and Route Building with Open Drafting and Tile Placement. Designed by the renowned duo Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer, it offers a thematic eco-scenario without having won major awards.
Pro
- Unique blend of Network and Route Building, Open Drafting, and Tile Placement
- Strong thematic connection to the source novel
- Strategic depth from card selection and network expansion
- Flexible player count from 2 to 4
Contra
- No solo mode
- Moderate to long playtime (~75 minutes)
- Higher complexity for newcomers
Setting & atmosphere
The game revolves around an ecological crisis caused by unknown marine creatures, with players acting as nations deploying scientists to research and counter the threat, inspired by Frank Schätzing's novel.
Tips for beginners
Focus on gradually connecting your research networks and selecting action cards wisely to maximize points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, The Swarm is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay typically lasts about 75 minutes, making it a medium to long session.
What prior experience do I need?
Players should be comfortable with medium to heavy strategy games and mechanics like network building and tile placement.
How does this compare to similar games?
The Swarm uniquely combines open drafting with complex network and route building within an eco-themed narrative from Kosmos' literature game line.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, The Swarm is better suited for experienced players rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Network and Route Building, Open Drafting, and Tile Placement defines the gameplay experience.
Fazit
The Swarm is recommended for strategy enthusiasts who appreciate a thematic experience with drafting and network building. Its complexity and length might deter casual or family players.
The Swarm at your next game night?
Add The Swarm to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add The Swarm to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
