- BGG rating
- 3.8
Alchemy!: Famous Alchemists, Amazing Potions, & Remarkable Places
- 2–8 players
- 45 min
- 2015
- BGG rank
- BGG #29,664
- BGG rating
- 5.5
Alchemy!
2015
Rules assistance for Alchemy!
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 45 min
- 13+
- Complexity 2.3/5
Rules assistant for Alchemy!
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Alchemy! is a board game released in 2015 for 2–8 players, 45 minutes per game, and ages 13 and up. It was designed by Mike Kanarek and its main mechanics are Take That and Pattern Building.
Expansions
- BGG rating
- 5.5
Alchemy!: The Ether Expansion
- 2–8 players
- 45 min
- 2015
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About the game
Alchemy! is a card game that turns players into competing apprentice alchemists trying to impress their master by being the first to complete a set of potions in a laboratory space they all share. Every turn, players can rush to finish their work or sabotage those who are pursuing the same potions they are, and once you've completed a potion, you can keep it for victory points or drink it to try to get even further ahead. Every turn, players draw cards and 'transmute' a component from a pool they share with all of the other players at the table in order to produce 'elements' (earth, air, fire, water) that can then be combined to try to match the formulas at the bottom of the potion cards that act as victory points. Potions are randomized each game, so each match has its own feel - some are very directly competitive, producing potions that allow players to directly attack one another, and others require more indirection and planning. Analyzing the available potions and trying to predict the interplay between them and the value of victory points vs. the effects of the potions is a key element of play.
Editions
- Alchemy!enAviary Games2015
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Aviary Games
Questions and answers
Alchemy! supports 2–8 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Alchemy! is 45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Alchemy! for ages 13 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Alchemy! has a complexity rating of 2.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Alchemy! belongs to these categories: Card Game, Fantasy, and Party Game. Its main mechanics are Take That and Pattern Building. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Alchemy! are: Mike Kanarek. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Alchemy! as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.