Hive*
Hive is a highly strategic two-player game that stands out for its versatility and unique gameplay mechanics, involving a variety of insect-themed pieces.
Gameplay Overview
- Board-Free Play: Can be played on any flat surface, without a traditional board.
- Components: Consists of 22 hexagonal pieces, 11 black and 11 white, each representing different insects.
- Unique Movement: Each insect piece has its own specific way of moving.
- Game Setup: Starts immediately with the placement of the first piece, and the "board" evolves as more pieces are placed.
- Objective: The goal is to completely surround the opponent's queen bee piece.
- Defensive and Offensive Play: Players must try to surround the opponent's queen while preventing their own queen from being surrounded.
- Non-Elimination: Pieces are never removed from play, and not all pieces are required to be played.
Conclusion
Hive offers a unique blend of simplicity and depth, making it an excellent game for strategy enthusiasts. Its portable nature allows it to be played almost anywhere, adding to its appeal. The game requires careful planning and flexibility, as the playing surface dynamically changes with each move. The distinct movement abilities of the insect pieces add a layer of complexity and strategic options. Hive is perfect for players who enjoy chess-like games with a modern twist and a unique thematic concept.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.
- 👥 2 Players
- ⏱️ 20 Minutes
- 🧒 9+ years old
- 🧩 Easy to learn
We like Hive so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 19 in Best games released at SPIEL 2010 in Essen
- Position 12 in Best games where you can enclose areas
- Position 17 in The best Reisespiele für 2 gamesr 👯♀️ auf einer Kreuzfahrt 🛳
- Position 2 in The Best Board Games with Ants
- Position 3 in The Best Board Games with Bees
- Position 1 in The Best Board Games with Grasshoppers
- Position 7 in The Best Board Games with Insects
- Position 3 in The Best Board Games with Spiders
- Position 14 in The best combinatorial games 🧮
- Position 25 in The Best Games from HUCH! 🇩🇪🏢
- Position 12 in The best games in which you can enclose a territory or area
- Position 14 in The best games like Go
- Position 12 in The best games like Halma
- Position 7 in The best games released in 2001📆
- Position 30 in The best games with hexagon grid ⬡
- Position 28 in The best "Mensa Select🇺🇸" winners and nominees
- Position 6 in The Best Resilience Games That Train Conscientiousness
- Position 8 in The best travel board, card & dice games for on the road 🧳
- Position 8 in The favorite games of Andi
Games similar to Hive
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