Witch's Brew
- Designer Andreas Pelikan
- Publisher alea , Ravensburger AG , Filosofia Éditions , New Games Order, LLC , Rio Grande Games
- Illustration Simona Cornacchia , Julien Delval , Harald Lieske
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Witch's Brew, players take on changing roles from druids to assistants, secretly selecting 5 of their 12 role cards each round. Cards are revealed in sequence, with each role offering a main action and a lesser 'favor' action. The first player to choose a role gets the main action, but later players can claim the favor or risk taking over the role. Players collect ingredients and money to brew potions on cauldron cards, blending bluffing and tactical hand management in a fantasy setting.
Who Is This Game For?
Witch's Brew targets families and hobby gamers aged 9 and up who enjoy interaction and bluffing. With a playtime around 60 minutes, it fits well into a game night. It’s not an expert-level game but requires understanding simultaneous action selection and role dynamics. Fans of hand management and tactical planning will find it approachable yet engaging.
How It Works
Each round, players secretly pick 5 out of 12 role cards. These cards are then revealed in turn order. Each role has a main action and a smaller favor action. The first player with a role performs the main action, while later players can opt for the favor or try to claim the main action by declaring the role, risking it being taken by others. Actions help gather ingredients and money to brew potions from cauldron cards. After five cards are played, a new selection round begins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Andreas Pelikan and nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2008, Witch's Brew won the 2008 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters' Selection and was Fairplay À la carte Runner-up. It combines simultaneous action selection with hand management and features bluffing and shifting roles. Part of the Alea Medium Box series, it centers on witches and magical brews.
Awards
2008
2008
2008
- 2009 Boardgames Australia Awards Best International Game — Nominated
- 2008 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Changing roles provide variety
- Combines hand management with simultaneous action selection
- High interaction through bluffing and role competition
- Spiel des Jahres 2008 nominee
Contra
- Requires at least 3 players, no solo mode
- Limited to 5 players max
- Some learning curve with simultaneous action selection
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantasy world of witches and magical potions, players take roles like druids and assistants to gather ingredients and brew spells.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding how your role actions impact the game and watch other players closely to anticipate their moves.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Witch's Brew is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
The game suits families and hobby gamers with some understanding of simultaneous action selection and hand management.
How does this compare to similar games?
Witch's Brew uniquely blends simultaneous action selection with bluffing and shifting roles in a fantasy setting, differing from classic worker placement or deckbuilding games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it’s recommended for ages 9 and up with moderate complexity, offering fun for families and casual players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management and simultaneous action selection with bluffing elements makes Witch's Brew stand out.
Fazit
Witch's Brew is a recommendable family game with tactical depth and bluff mechanics, suitable for players 9 and older who appreciate interaction and role variety.
