Hive

2001 · Animals

Hive

Players build a shared playing surface from hexagonal insect tiles instead of using a board. Each player has a set of different creatures, and each type moves according to its own rule when placed or slid around the growing hive. Pieces are never removed; new tiles are added to expand the formation and create pathways or blockages. The goal is to completely surround the opponent’s queen tile while preventing the same fate for one's own queen. Turn play alternates between placing a new piece or moving an existing one, with strategic placement and movement determining control of space.

Players
2
Playing time
20 min
Age
9+
Complexity
2.3 / 5
7.4 on Ludoyafrom $22.53Abstract StrategyGrid MovementThree Dimensional MovementPieces as Map

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Plays logged
463
Players
17m 44s
Average play
288
In collections
23
On wishlists
1
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7.4/10

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Rules questions

Answered from the rulebook by Ludoya's rules assistant.

Do I have to place my Queen Bee by a certain turn, and can I move pieces before I place it?

You may not move any pieces until you have placed your Queen Bee; the Queen can be placed any time from your 2nd to your 4th turn and must be placed on your 4th if not placed earlier (p.1).

When I place a new piece, can it touch my opponent’s pieces?

Except for the first piece each player places, a newly introduced piece may not be placed touching any of your opponent’s pieces (p.1).

Can I move a piece if that move would split the Hive into two parts?

No — the One Hive Rule requires all pieces in play to remain linked at all times, so you may not move a piece that would separate the Hive (p.2).

What does ‘Freedom to Move’ mean — can pieces be blocked from sliding?

Most pieces move by sliding and cannot move through a narrow gate or into a space they cannot physically slide into; if a piece is blocked so it cannot physically slide out, it may not be moved (exceptions and details on Grasshopper, Ladybug, Beetle noted) (p.2).

How does the Beetle’s stacking work — can I place a Beetle on top of the Hive and does the stack count as a color?

A Beetle cannot be placed directly on top of the Hive when introduced, but it can move on top later; while a Beetle is on top the stack takes on the Beetle’s colour for the purposes of the placing rule (p.1).

How does the Mosquito copy other pieces, and are there limits if it’s touching only Mosquitoes or is stacked?

Once in play the Mosquito takes on the movement characteristics of any creature it touches at the time (including opponents'), but if it is touching only other Mosquitoes (including stacked Mosquitoes) it may not move; if moved as a Beetle on top of the Hive it continues to move as a Beetle until it climbs down (p.2).

Opens Ludoya's rules assistant, which reads this game's rulebook.

Game facts (players, playing time, age, credits) from BoardGameGeek.