We Love A Good Fungi!

If you've ever read The Hidden Life of Trees and thought "I want to play that," here you go.

Undergrove is built around the mycorrhizal relationship between trees and fungi, the underground trading network where trees offer carbon in exchange for nutrients pulled from the soil by fungi. You play as a Douglas fir tree in the Pacific Northwest, growing your seedlings and partnering with mushrooms to make it happen. 

The artwork alone is worth the shelf space, with over 50 unique mushroom illustrations painted by nature artist Beth Sobel. It's a beautiful, tactile game that earns its place on the table. Similar to the functionality of Wingspan, you are alloted 4 different actions to perform during your turn, with mushrooms that are played and placed providing you different bonuses in order to grow your seedlings. 

Mechanically, it's approachable without being simple. Quick player turns keep things moving, but there are real decisions to make around tile placement, resource trading, and where you plant your roots. It rewards patience and planning without punishing newer players for learning as they go. I found myself planning a couple of moves ahead, making notes as I went. 

A great pick for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone who likes their board games to teach them something real without feeling like homework. Although - good-luck on pronouncing some of the fungi names. 

And a note for the record: Sue usually reigns supreme when a new game hits the table. This time? Kelly, our resident baker, proved that someone who understands the patience of a good proof also understands the patience of a long game. The seedlings have spoken.

Will we see you next round? Join us on May 22 to see if you will come out on top.