Games that play two players exclusively hold a special section on my shelves. There are a number of them and most are classics, ones that get a lot of play between the wife and I. But today I want to explore a new game that takes one we already love in it’s name and styles and makes it a two player game with a whole new way to play. Let’s dive right in!
Everdell Duo is published by Starling Games and Tabletop Tycoon. It plays 1-2 players in 20 mins. Designed by James and Clarissa Wilson with illustration from Andrew Bosley and Enggar Adirasa.
Overview:
In Everdell Duo players will play competitively or cooperatively to earn points through placement of resources, playing cards and creating a city.
Gameplay:
There are four ways to play Everdell Duo. You can play competitive with two players head to head, cooperative with two players using goals and restrictions, as a campaign with one or two players trying new rules and challenges for each chapter or as a challenge against an artificial opponent.
Players will play cards from their hand or the Meadow depending on the sun or moon token placement. Each game there are events to achieve, challenges to face and points to be won. Let’s take a look at the competitive play of Everdell Duo:
On your turn you will perform one of three actions. After each action you must either move the Sun or Moon token one space to the right depending on the actions. Actions include placing a worker on a worker space, playing a card or picking a card.
Workers may be placed Locations or on Events. Events conditions must be met when placing a worker there. Playing a card lets you play one from your hand or the Meadow depending on if the sun or moon token is touching it. When you play the card, resolve the effect then replenish the Meadow if taken from there.
Finally you may pick a card, either drawing a card from the deck or taking a card form the Meadow. Players then move their choice of either the sun or moon token.’
A season ends when both the sun and moon tokens have reached the end of their path. No more actions are taken and the next season is prepared for. The game continues with player turns until the tokens reach the end of their path in the fall, ending the game.
Impressions:
I love Everdell and have played it with a variety of players, player counts and versions of the game. So when I saw there was a new Duo version coming I felt both excited and curious as I wanted to try it but also didn’t know if I need another version of a game I have so much in. But rest assured this is worth an addition to your collection!
I love a good back and forth game between two players and Everdell Duo delivers on that in the competitive mode. However this game can be played in 4 different ways, and those other ways allow you to play cooperatively to meet goals, play against an opponent together or move through a 15 chapter campaign. So for those that love cooperative games as well there are some fun ways to get into this one together!
One of things that really spoke to us is the fact that this is so portable and easy to play on the go, where Everdell is definitely not as easy to play on the go. The smaller box and space makes this a great game for a coffee shop or even to throw in your suitcase.
So if this is a game world you already enjoy, you should check out Everdell Duo as it will give you a brand new experience in cooperative, competitive and campaign style games all in one box. It’s been a hit on our table and one that I hope you can enjoy as well!
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