Keeping houseplants alive is hard enough. Now someone has turned it into a board game!
Sprout is a newly announced strategy game from Rabble Games that challenges players to build the ultimate indoor jungle while avoiding the one thing every plant owner fears: killing everything they've worked so hard to grow.
Set to launch on Kickstarter later this month, the game mixes tableau building, push-your-luck mechanics and a healthy dose of risk management into a surprisingly competitive houseplant experience.
Grow at Your Own Risk
At first glance, Sprout looks relaxing. Players collect nutrients, grow plants and build up an impressive collection over five rounds.
The catch? Greed can quickly ruin your plans.
During each Nutrient Phase, players can continue drawing cards to gain more resources. Push your luck too far, however, and you'll overload on a nutrient type, causing your carefully cultivated collection to suffer.
It's the tabletop equivalent of convincing yourself one more plant couldn't possibly hurt.
More Than 100 Plants
One of Sprout's biggest selling points is variety.
Rabble Games says the final version will feature more than 100 different plants, each offering unique abilities and scoring opportunities. Building the right combination could be the difference between victory and watching your botanical empire wilt away.
The game also introduces Roommate Cards, adding a semi-cooperative twist that lets players help themselves while accidentally helping everyone else at the table.
Coming to Kickstarter Soon
Designed for two to five players, Sprout plays in around 45 to 75 minutes and is aimed at ages 10 and above.
The Kickstarter campaign will also offer upgraded components, including wooden nutrient tokens and player markers, while a solo mode is currently in development.
Cute artwork, over 100 unique plants and a theme that feels surprisingly fresh? Don't be shocked if Sprout ends up becoming one of Kickstarter's most talked-about board game launches this summer.
