Night at the Zoo
Night at the Zoo at your next game night?
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- Designer Tomáš Holek
- Publisher Albi , Albi Polska , Capstone Games , DSV Games , Tranjis Games
- Illustration Tereza Kovandová
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 guide escaped zoo animals back home at night by drafting and placing tiles on your board. Placing tiles triggers special actions and shapes the animals' routes, while each animal moves and scores in its own way. Rounds are quick—about 30 minutes—and focus on building safe paths before the keepers notice.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for ages 10+ and for groups looking for a compact, accessible strategy puzzle. The mechanics (Tile Placement, Pattern/Programmed Movement) appeal to experienced hobbyists who like thematic puzzles, while the included solo mode supports solo players.
How It Works
Each round players draft tiles and place them on personal boards (Tile Placement). Tile placement activates abilities and determines how animals shift across the board (Pattern Movement, Programmed Movement). The aim is to construct routes to bring animals home and score points. The solo mode uses the same core mechanics as multiplayer.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Tomáš Holek, the game blends tile-laying with programmed movement so every animal feels distinct. Released in 2026, it emphasizes the nocturnal zoo theme; the game family mentions Glow-in-the-Dark components that reinforce the setting.
Pro
- Short playtime (~30 minutes) allows repeated plays
- Tile-Placement combined with Pattern/Programmed Movement creates diverse puzzles
- Includes a solo mode for single-player sessions
- Distinct animal movement rules add variety each game
Contra
- May be too light for heavy-expert gamers
- Theme-forward design might feel less 'euro' to players seeking abstract optimization
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in a zoo/aquarium/safari park at night: animals covertly leave their enclosures and must find their way back under cover of darkness.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on creating straightforward, safe routes for individual animals and learn their movement patterns before attempting complex combos.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. players.min is 1, so a solo mode is included.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 30 minutes, making it a quick, repeatable experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Players aged 10+ can play; familiarity with tile-placement puzzles helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
It pairs drafting with tile-laying and programmed animal movement, tying theme and mechanics closely together.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. With a min_age of 10 and accessible mechanics, it fits family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Tile Placement with Pattern and Programmed Movement defines the game's decision space.
Fazit
A solid pick for players who want a brief, thematic tile game with varied animal behaviors. If you prefer long, heavy eurogames, the 30-minute runtime may be too short.
Night at the Zoo at your next game night?
Add Night at the Zoo to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Night at the Zoo to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
