- BGG rank
- BGG #838
- BGG rating
- 7.3
Mexica
- 2–4 players
- 90 min
- Complexity 2.7/5
- 2002
- BGG rank
- BGG #3,551
- BGG rating
- 7.1
Element
2017
Rules assistance for Element
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 30–60 min
- 14+
- Complexity 2.3/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Element
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Element is a board game released in 2017 for 2–4 players, 30–60 minutes per game, and ages 14 and up. It was designed by Mike Richie and its main mechanics are Area Majority / Influence, Tile Placement, and Grid Movement.
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About the game
Fire, water, earth, wind — these four elements have driven mankind's mythology, philosophy and science for eons. Now, master the power of these primal forces in this abstract game of capture and area control. In Element, players take turns drawing and placing four element stones to encircle opposing sages. Each element has unique properties that players can use to block an opponent's movement. Feed walls of flame, move raging rivers, raise impenetrable mountain ranges, and even bend wind to your command. Transform one element into another with the rule of replacement or sacrifice element stones to help your sage avoid capture. Understanding the subtle, diverse, yet powerful nature of the four elements is key to surrounding your opponent and claiming victory!
Categories
Designers
Publishers
- Rather Dashing Games
Questions and answers
Element supports 2–4 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 Element is 30–60 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 Element for ages 14 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.
Element 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.
Element belongs to these categories: Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Area Majority / Influence, Tile Placement, and Grid Movement. 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 Element are: Mike Richie. 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 Element 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.