Botanicus (EN)

Botanicus is an elegant strategy board game where players create the most impressive botanical garden of the late 19th century. As wealthy aristocrats passionate about rare plants, players purchase land, hire gardeners, and search for the finest botanical specimens to attract demanding visitors. Every decision shapes the beauty, efficiency, and prestige of your growing garden.

At the heart of the game lies a clever action-selection mechanism where players compete for the best available action spaces before optimizing their choices. You must gather new plants, nurture them from seeds to full bloom, water your gardens, and carefully manage the movements of your gardener. This refined eurogame combines tactical planning, spatial development, and resource management in a smooth and highly satisfying strategic experience where timing is everything.

You will likely enjoy Botanicus if you appreciate strategy games that are easy to learn yet rich in meaningful decisions, especially those featuring immersive natural themes and visually rewarding progression. Its thoughtful pacing and layered tactical choices make it appealing for both intermediate gamers and experienced eurogame fans.

The game features plant tiles evolving through multiple growth stages, from seeds to blossoms, creating a visually immersive representation of a living botanical garden. Botanicus also received several international recognitions, including a recommendation for the Kennerspiel des Jahres 2024 and a Gioco dell’Anno award in 2025.

Designed by Samuele Tabellini Ferrari and Vieri Masseini, with detailed artwork by Marcel Gröber and Franz-Georg Stämmele, Botanicus stands out thanks to its warm visual style and high-quality wooden components that reinforce the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Number of players: 2 to 4
Playing time: 45 to 60 minutes
Age: 10+