Aquaria
Aquaria at your next game night?
Add Aquaria 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 Tomáš Holek
- Publisher Delicious Games , Arrakis Games , Capstone Games , DSV Games , Fox in the Box
- Illustration Anežka Bělohoubková , Roman Kucharski , Milan Vavroň
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 build and maintain an aquarium, buy and feed fish, and advance on encyclopedia tracks to show your aquarist expertise. The game blends Action Drafting, Hand Management and Set Collection with tableau-building elements. Rule text indicates about 45 minutes per player, so full multiplayer sessions are lengthy.
Who Is This Game For?
Aquaria targets hobby gamers who enjoy thematic puzzle-like card games; minimum age is 12. With an overall playtime around 120 minutes in multiplayer, it suits players comfortable with medium-to-high complexity mechanics.
How It Works
Players choose actions via Action Drafting, manage cards in hand (Hand Management) and collect sets for scoring (Set Collection). Tableau Building aspects shape long-term planning and End Game Bonuses affect final scoring. Decisions about acquiring and feeding fish plus hand planning are central rather than pure luck.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Tomáš Holek, Aquaria combines aquarium theme with card-based engine building and tableau mechanics. Multiple named artists contribute to the visual presentation, reinforcing the theme and player immersion.
Pro
- Strong aquarium/aquascaping theme (Animals category)
- Blend of Action Drafting, Hand Management and Set Collection
- Tableau Building supports long-term strategy
- Artwork by Anežka Bělohoubková, Roman Kucharski and Milan Vavroň
Contra
- Long playtime (about 45 minutes per player) requires commitment
- Mechanics can be dense for newcomers
- Minimum age 12+ makes it less suitable for younger families
Setting & atmosphere
The theme centers on aquarium care and aquascaping; categories list Animals, Card Game and Puzzle. Players act as aquarists maintaining fauna and habitat.
Tips for beginners
Start by focusing on consistent hand management and building simple sets; use the encyclopedia tracks as a progress metric.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play (players: 1–4).
How long does a game really take?
The description lists about 45 minutes per player; expect a lengthy session in multiplayer (around 120 minutes total).
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with Hand Management and Set Collection helps; the game is aimed at hobby/enthusiast players (age 12+).
How does this compare to similar games?
Aquaria pairs card mechanics with tableau-building and aquarium theme, emphasizing maintenance and long-term planning over quick plays.
Is this suitable for families?
Limited suitability: the minimum age is 12 and playtime is relatively long for casual family sessions.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Action Drafting with Hand Management and Set Collection defines the core experience.
Fazit
Aquaria is recommended for players who want a thematic, mechanic-rich card game focused on Hand Management and Set Collection; players seeking short family games may find the playtime demanding.
Aquaria at your next game night?
Add Aquaria to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Aquaria to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
