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Keyflower box image

Keyflower

Keyflower is a strategic worker placement game where players bid on and use colored meeples to develop their own villages, compete for resources, and score points through various means.

7.73 / 10
BGG Rating
12+
age
2012
published year
2 - 6
player count
2 - 6
Recommended player count
90 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is Keyflower?

3.34 / 5

Keyflower has a moderate complexity, with multiple mechanics and strategies to balance, but clear rules and intuitive gameplay make it accessible to experienced gamers.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Keyflower?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Keyflower, as the draw of tiles and meeples can impact strategy, but skilled bidding and planning can mitigate the effects of chance.

How much Player Interaction does Keyflower offer?

4 / 5

Keyflower offers significant player interaction through bidding on shared meeples and tiles, blocking opponents' actions, and competing for resources and scoring opportunities.

How much Replayability does Keyflower offer?

4 / 5

Keyflower offers high replayability due to the variable setup of tiles, meeples, and scoring conditions, as well as the multiple paths to victory and player interaction.

Why you should play Keyflower

Unique gameplay

Keyflower offers a unique blend of worker placement, auction, and tile-laying mechanics that make for a truly engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

Replayability

With over 80 different tiles and a modular board, each game of Keyflower is different, offering endless replayability.

Strategic depth

Keyflower requires players to carefully manage their resources, plan ahead, and make tough decisions in order to outmaneuver their opponents and come out on top.

Beautiful artwork

The game features stunning artwork and high-quality components that make for a visually appealing and immersive experience.

Multiplayer fun

Keyflower is designed for 2-6 players, making it a great choice for game nights with friends and family.

Easy to learn

Despite its strategic depth, Keyflower is relatively easy to learn and can be enjoyed by both casual and experienced gamers.

Awards and recognition

Keyflower has won numerous awards and accolades, including the 2013 Golden Geek Award for Best Innovative Board Game and the 2013 Meeples' Choice Award for Best Strategy Game.

Why you should avoid Keyflower

Complexity

While Keyflower is relatively easy to learn, it can be quite complex and overwhelming for some players, especially those who are new to the world of board games.

Lengthy gameplay

Keyflower can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours to play, which may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter, more fast-paced games.

Competitive gameplay

Keyflower is a highly competitive game that requires players to constantly outmaneuver and outbid their opponents, which may not be enjoyable for players who prefer more cooperative or casual gameplay.

Limited player interaction

While Keyflower does require players to compete against each other, there is limited direct player interaction, which may not be appealing for players who enjoy games with more social interaction.

Luck-based elements

While Keyflower is primarily a strategy game, there are some luck-based elements, such as the tiles that are randomly drawn and the order in which they are revealed, which may not be appealing for players who prefer games with less luck involved.

Where to find the Rules of Keyflower

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Keyflower files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Keyflower

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Keyflower.

Focus on building a strong economy

Keyflower is a game where resources are key. You need to make sure you have enough resources to bid on tiles and upgrade your village. Try to get as many resources as possible early on in the game, and use them wisely.

Bid strategically

When bidding on tiles, try to think about what your opponents might want and bid accordingly. Don't overbid on a tile that you don't really need, as this will leave you with fewer resources for other tiles.

Plan ahead

Keyflower is a game where planning ahead is crucial. Try to think about what tiles you will need in the future and bid on them early. Also, try to think about what resources you will need to upgrade your village and plan accordingly.

Use your workers wisely

Your workers are your most valuable resource in Keyflower. Try to use them as efficiently as possible, and don't waste them on tiles that won't give you a good return on investment.

Don't neglect the winter phase

The winter phase is often overlooked by new players, but it can be a great opportunity to score points. Try to have a plan for the winter phase and make sure you have enough resources to take advantage of it.

Be flexible

Keyflower is a game where you need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. Don't be afraid to change your strategy if it's not working out, and be willing to take risks if the potential rewards are high.

Advanced Strategies for Keyflower

Focus on upgrading your village

Upgrading your village is key to scoring points in Keyflower. Try to focus on upgrading your village as much as possible, as this will give you a significant advantage over your opponents.

Pay attention to the other players

In Keyflower, it's important to pay attention to what your opponents are doing. Try to anticipate their moves and bid on tiles that they might want. Also, try to block your opponents from getting the tiles they need.

Use the special tiles to your advantage

Keyflower has a number of special tiles that can give you a significant advantage if used correctly. Try to bid on these tiles early and use them to your advantage throughout the game.

Don't neglect the summer phase

While the winter phase is important, the summer phase is where most of the action happens in Keyflower. Try to make the most of the summer phase by bidding on tiles that will give you a good return on investment.

Be mindful of the endgame

Keyflower is a game where the endgame can sneak up on you quickly. Try to keep an eye on the endgame conditions and make sure you're in a good position to score points when the game ends.

Experiment with different strategies

Keyflower is a game where there are many different strategies you can use to win. Try to experiment with different strategies and see what works best for you. Don't be afraid to take risks and try something new.

Mechanics

Tile Placement
Set Collection
Modular Board
Auction/Bidding
Hexagon Grid
Network and Route Building
Worker Placement
Turn Order: Auction
End Game Bonuses
Variable Set-up
Ownership
Constrained Bidding
Selection Order Bid
Auction: Multiple Lot
Auction: Fixed Placement
Worker Placement, Different Worker Types

Categories

Transportation
Economic
City Building
Renaissance
Territory Building