2026 · Exploration
Carl v. Linné
Players assume the roles of early 18th-century natural historians who explore distant regions, collect specimens, and cultivate botanical gardens. Gameplay centers on researching and classifying flora and fauna, corresponding with scientific institutions, and publishing works to build knowledge and reputation. Actions are managed through a unique lens system that forces choices between fieldwork and scholarly study, while players balance resource management and timing to advance their taxonomic contributions. Victory goes to the player who most successfully builds a lasting scientific legacy through classification and publication.
- Players
- 1–4 best 2
- Playing time
- 60–120 min
- Age
- 12+
- Complexity
- 3.7 / 5
About the game
- Design
- Publisher
Expansions
See them in Ludoya
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Where to buy it
Shop prices and second-hand copies, checked every day.
On Ludoya's tables
Full stats in Ludoya- 3
- Plays logged
- 9
- Players
- 4
- In collections
- 8
- On wishlists
Rules questions
Answered from the rulebook by Ludoya's rules assistant.
Do I take all three of my actions in a row?
No. Players take turns performing one action at a time; after everyone has taken three actions, the round moves to the income phase. (p. 8)
What’s the difference between the glasses, magnifier, and microscope?
They multiply your chosen lens’s action by 1, 2, and 3 respectively, and each gives a different bonus. Each instrument can be used only once per round. (p. 8)
When I explore, do I have to move—and can I take a sample instead of the location reward?
Movement is optional, and each Explore action includes one investigation. At a sample location, choose either its location reward or pay the containers shown to take the sample; visiting a location for the first time may also give its separate one-time reward. (pp. 10–11)
What happens when I’ve researched every corner of a sample?
It is fully researched: remove it from your library, return your markers to your supply, and place the sample above your player board. It scores points at the end of the game and frees space in your library. (p. 13)
Can I use a sketch after I’ve paid it to publish a book?
No. A sketch used to publish stays on the book and cannot be activated or spent again; it gives its reward only if its color matches the book’s requirement and it is placed face-up. (p. 20)
How many times do I get a reward from a colored voyage space?
When your ship enters a colored space, gain its reward the number of times shown by that color’s dots on the rudder wheel. If you move multiple spaces, resolve the rewards for each space you enter. (p. 17)
People who own it also own
Free, on web, Android and iOS
Play Carl v. Linné with Ludoya
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Game facts (players, playing time, age, credits) from BoardGameGeek.