Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids and adults who enjoy strategy / worker placement games 

Everdell is a captivating worker placement game from Starling Games , and after testing the junior version, My Lil’ Everdell, we couldn’t wait to check out this more intricate original. The experience? Absolutely thrilling! A massive thank you to Let's Play Games for sharing this game with us!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Collect Resources + Play Cards To Win Victory Points

In Everdell, players build a vibrant village by gathering resources and playing cards over four seasons. Starting with two workers, you’ll use them to collect resources or play cards from your hand or the central board. Each card adds new abilities or victory points. The challenge lies in strategically managing your limited workers, competing for the best resource spots, and deciding when to transition to the next season. Whether it’s chasing event cards, weighing short-term / long-term gains, or maximizing every resource, the tactical decisions make every turn thrilling. At the end of the game, tally up your points from your tableau, events, and coins—may the best village win!

(2) Endless Replayability With Ever-Changing Setup

Everdell offers endless replayability with its ever-changing setup. Each game feels fresh thanks to a few key variables: a random set of Forest cards that shifts resource strategies, Special Event cards that introduce unique challenges based on specific criteria, and a deck of 128 Critter and Construction cards, each with unique powers. The real excitement comes from pairing Construction cards with Critters, which lets you play certain cards for free, adding an element of luck and tension to each decision.

(3) Visually Stunning Tabletop Set-Up

The 3D, vertically set-up tree is a visual masterpiece. While some online reviews mention its non-functional aspects, for our family, it truly brings the game to life, adding a magical, storybook dimension to the experience. I also love the stunning foldable game board—its design perfectly captures the enchanting world of Everdell, making every playthrough feel like stepping into a fairytale.

(4) Unique Resources & Whimsical Artwork

The resources—twigs, resin, pebbles, and berries—are distinct in shape, size, and material, adding a tactile richness to the game. The artwork captures the whimsical world of anthropomorphic creatures building a city.

P/S: Resource crates are not included in this set

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/everdell-2

Enjoy the video! 

My Lil’ Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Younger kids who love try out the thrill of strategy games! 

Everdell is a delightful worker placement game by Starling Games - but, it’s also a little too complex for the kids. That’s where My Lil’ Everdell comes in—designed to capture the heartwarming cuteness of Everdell, but with just the right amount of depth for young players. A big thank you to Let's Play Games for providing this gem!

Why I love ❤️ it 

(1) Gather Resources + Play/ Purchase Cards Strategically

The game is played over 4 rounds, with each round consisting of 3 turns per player. On each turn, players place a friend on one of 3 worker placement spots: large spots granting 1 resource (open to any number of friends), lucrative dice spots (first-come, first-serve), and red card spots that build into their personal tableau. After placing a friend, players can optionally purchase a card from the Meadow, which can be green (round start effects), tan (one-time bonuses), red (new worker placement), blue (triggered effects), or purple (end-game bonuses). Cards cost 1-5 resources like berries, sticks, and resin. Players can also complete parades to earn victory points, with the first player to finish a parade getting 6 points, the second 5, and so on. After four rounds, players tally points from cards and parade tokens, with the highest scorer winning.

(2) Simple Decision-Making Opportunities - Perfect For Younger Kids

The game offers plenty of opportunities for decision-making, encouraging kids to weigh their options carefully. Should we buy a card that costs fewer resources but is less impactful, or save up for a more powerful card later? The tactical choices keep the game engaging without overwhelming them, and the shifting dice each round add an extra layer of strategy.

(3) Solo Mode/ Expansion Pack/ Alternative Rules - Variations To Suit All Ages

The “Captain” and “Fort“ rules give younger players a helpful boost at the start by providing extra resources and bonus cards. There’s also a solo mode for solo play and a ”Kindergarten“ promo expansion that can be used with the original Everdell game. These additions make the game adaptable for different age groups and playstyles. 

(4) Beautifully Illustrated Cards & Clever Resource Crates

The cards are beautifully illustrated with simple icons. I love the included resource crates, which add a tactile element to the game. The components are well-made, and the rulebook is easy to follow.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition (Australia)

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!