- BGG rank
- BGG #24,020
- BGG rating
- 6.2
MUD
- 2–6 players
- 20–40 min
- Complexity 2.0/5
- 2020
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- BGG #9,087
- BGG rating
- 7.0
Hex Effects
2025
Rules assistance for Hex Effects
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–8 players
- 10–30 min
- 10+
- Complexity 1.3/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Hex Effects
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Hex Effects is a board game released in 2025 for 2–8 players, 10–30 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up. It was designed by Jade Shames, Kat Thek, and Ben Bronstein and its main mechanics are Take That and Race.
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About the game
Hex Effects is a "take that" style card game featuring Hexes (that you need to rid of) and Remedies (that treat Hexes but may cause you to have more). It is an easy-to-pickup game with original artwork by Pillbox Games. It's based on the game Side Effects. Start by dealing four Hex cards to each player, face up, in a space in front of them referred to as their "Shadow". The first player to treat all the Hexes in their Shadow wins the game. The rest of the Hex cards are shuffled in with the larger deck. Then, deal four cards to each player (concealed in hand). Start your turn by drawing two cards. You can make two actions on your turn. If you have in your hand a Remedy card that treats one of your hexes, you can place it on top of that Hex. You're now closer to winning — but watch out! Every Remedy contains a list of side effects (other Hexes) that you are now vulnerable to receiving from other players on their turns. Play continues until one person has treated all the Hexes in their Shadow.
Designers
Publishers
- Pillbox Games
Questions and answers
Hex Effects 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 Hex Effects is 10–30 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 Hex Effects for ages 10 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.
Hex Effects has a complexity rating of 1.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a 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.
Hex Effects belongs to these categories: Card Game and Medieval. Its main mechanics are Take That and Race. 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 Hex Effects are: Jade Shames, Kat Thek, and Ben Bronstein. 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 Hex Effects 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.