Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small offers a unique twist on the classic game of Agricola, focusing specifically on animal husbandry. Players engage in building their farms by raising horses, cows, sheep, and pigs, making strategic decisions to expand their pastures. Designed for exactly two players, this game provides a streamlined experience that makes it easy to learn while still being fun to play.
The game features a compact 3×2 board that can grow as players acquire more animals and expand their farming operations. With sixteen possible actions available, it keeps the gameplay dynamic and exciting. Fans of the original Agricola will appreciate the animal-centric theme and quicker setup, making it perfect for those looking for a shorter game session.
For anyone curious about how to dive into this delightful board game, the upcoming sections will explore the rules, strategies, and tips to enhance the gameplay experience. Whether a novice or a seasoned board gamer, there’s something for everyone in Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small.
Overview of ‘Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small’
This game focuses on animal farming, offering a unique experience for two players. It highlights strategy and resource management as players compete to build the best animal husbandry operation.
Game Objective
In “Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small,” players take on the roles of animal breeders. The main goal is to create the most efficient farm by raising horses, cows, sheep, and pigs. They must gather resources to expand their farms, ensuring enough space for their animals. Players earn points based on the number of animals they raise and the quality of their pastures. The game encourages planning and foresight, as each decision can impact future turns significantly.
Components and Contents
The game includes a 3×2 game board for each player, which serves as their farm layout. Players also receive resource tokens for animals, fences, and pastures. Additionally, there are cards that represent different types of animals and structures. Each game comes with detailed rules, ensuring players understand the mechanics clearly. These components allow for strategic gameplay while keeping the experience accessible and enjoyable. It also includes various expansions in the big box version, providing even more content for avid players.
Theme and Setting
Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small is rooted in a rural theme. The setting immerses players in a farming world, focusing on the beauty of animal husbandry. Players can visualize their farms as they plan layout designs, keeping in mind the needs of each animal. The game emphasizes the importance of managing resources wisely while creating a sustainable farm. This thematic approach enhances engagement, making players feel connected to their virtual farms and animals.
Setting Up the Game
Setting up “Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small” is straightforward and essential for a smooth gaming experience. Each step ensures that players have everything they need to start their farming adventure.
Initial Board Setup
To begin, players should place the game board on a flat surface. This board is relatively small, measuring 3×2 spaces. Next, position the four stall tiles around the board, ensuring they are easily accessible.
The feed troughs, which resemble wooden stables, should also be placed nearby. Players should arrange the four farm expansions off to the side. This setup creates a clear area for building and managing farms during the game.
Finally, make sure to place the general supply within reach of all players. This includes resources such as wood, clay, and food.
Preparing Animal Tokens and Resources
Next, it’s time to prepare the animal tokens and resources. There are specific tokens for each animal: horses, cows, sheep, and pigs. Players should gather these tokens and organize them into separate piles for easy access.
Additionally, resources such as grain and vegetables should be set out in a way that everyone can see and reach them. This arrangement allows players to collect what they need without delays.
It’s also important to place the feed necessary for the animals nearby. This helps players keep track of what they have available throughout the game.
Player Starting Assets
Each player begins the game with specific starting assets. These include one barn, a stable, and a set of animal tokens. Players should take one of each type of animal token at the start.
In addition to animal tokens, players receive resources. This typically includes two wood, two clay, and enough food to sustain their animals in the opening rounds.
Setting up these assets in front of each player is crucial. It helps players plan their strategies as they work to build their farms and expand their herds.
Gameplay Mechanics
In “Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small,” players engage in a variety of phases that shape their strategy and decisions. These mechanics revolve around actions, breeding, and constructing special buildings, each providing unique advantages.
Action Phase
During the Action Phase, players take turns choosing actions to develop their farms. Each player has a 3×2 game board, where they can place their workers to manage resources effectively. Actions include gathering resources such as wood, clay, and food, which are crucial for breeding animals and building structures.
Players can also choose to build fences or purchase animals like cows and pigs. Strategic placement of workers must balance between immediate needs and long-term goals. The selection of actions adds depth, requiring players to think ahead and adapt to their opponent’s choices.
Breeding Phase
The Breeding Phase is where players can increase their livestock. Each animal type has specific rules for breeding, which players must follow. For example, cows can only breed if there are at least two in the player’s farm.
Players will benefit from carefully planning their animal combinations. Breeding not only helps in scoring points but also provides resources like meat or milk. Managing the breeding process effectively can give players a significant edge in the game.
Special Buildings
Special Buildings are unique structures that players can construct to gain various benefits. These buildings can enhance gameplay by providing additional actions or bonuses. For example, certain buildings may allow players to store more resources or enable them to breed animals more efficiently.
Players must decide which buildings to prioritize based on their strategy and available resources. Building choices can impact a player’s success, making this mechanic crucial. It encourages creativity in how players choose to develop their farms.
Player Actions
In “Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small,” players take specific actions to develop their farms. These actions focus on expanding buildings, acquiring animals, and upgrading their farmyards. Each choice is crucial for building a successful strategy.
Building Expansions
Players can build expansions to create a more effective farm. These expansions allow for additional structures that provide extra benefits. For instance, a stable can increase the number of animals a player can keep.
To build, they must gather the right resources, like wood and clay. Players must plan carefully, as the cost of materials can add up. Balancing resources is key to successfully expanding one’s farm.
Acquiring Animals
Acquiring animals is a central action in the game. Players can obtain horses, cows, sheep, and pigs, each providing different advantages. Animals not only increase a farm’s productivity but also contribute to a player’s score.
Players can get animals through various actions, such as visiting specific locations on the board. The more animals they raise, the more points they earn at the end of the game. It is vital to breed animals wisely to maximize their benefits.
Upgrading Farmyard
Upgrading the farmyard allows players to enhance their farms significantly. They can improve fences or add more pastures, which help accommodate larger numbers of animals. A well-structured farmyard is a key to a successful strategy.
Upgrades require careful planning and resource management. Players need to decide when to invest in upgrades instead of expanding or acquiring animals. Timing is everything when making these critical choices.
Scoring and Winning
In “Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small,” understanding how scores are calculated is essential for success. Players need to pay attention to game conditions and the specific ways to tally points. Here’s a detailed look at the end of the game and how to calculate scores effectively.
End of Game Conditions
The game ends after Round 14. At this point, players must be ready to score their farms. Each player’s farm consists of various elements, such as fields and animals.
Every field tile contributes points to the player’s score. Players should check the Summary cards for scoring details. The more efficient the farm is, the higher the potential score. It’s essential to remember that various conditions can affect scoring, including the number of animals and improvements made throughout the game.
Calculating Scores
Scoring happens step-by-step, focusing on different categories. First, fields are assessed. Each field element adds to the score, regardless of its current state.
Next, animal scoring comes into play. For example, having a specific number of sheep or pigs results in points, based on the game’s scoring rules.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Fields: Each field counts as one point.
- Sheep: Points vary based on the number collected.
- Pigs: Similar rules apply as with sheep.
Players must total points from each category to find their final score. The player with the highest score wins.
Strategies for Success
In Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small, players can improve their chances of winning by using effective strategies. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Focus on Sheep: Sheep provide more bonus points than other animals. Players should prioritize getting sheep early in the game to maximize their score.
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Plan Resource Management: Keeping track of resources is crucial. Players need to balance acquiring animals and building their farm efficiently.
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Use Space Wisely: Players should position their animals and buildings wisely. This can help avoid wasting space and ensure a productive layout.
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Timing is Key: Knowing when to expand or switch strategies can make a difference. Sometimes, staying small for a few rounds can lead to bigger opportunities later.
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Adapt to Opponents: Each game can feel different based on opponents’ moves. Observing their strategies and adapting accordingly may lead to better outcomes.
Expansion Packs and Additional Content
Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small offers an exciting expansion called More Buildings, Big and Small. This expansion adds new tiles and buildings for players to utilize in their farming strategy.
Players will find 27 new special buildings and 1 additional stall tile that help expand their farms. These additions encourage fresh strategies for managing resources and breeding animals.
The digital version of the game also includes this expansion. Players can enjoy a seamless experience while developing their farms in the digital adaptation available on platforms like Steam.
With these expansions, the game continually evolves, keeping players engaged. Each addition enhances the base game by introducing new ways to grow and manage their farms.
For those who love animal husbandry, these expansions deepen the game experience. They allow players to think creatively about farm layouts and resource management. With each play, farm owners can explore new possibilities and strategies.
These elements combine to make Agricola a dynamic choice for board game enthusiasts. It’s perfect for anyone looking to challenge their farming skills on a small scale.