
- BGG rank
- BGG #12,033
- BGG rating
- 7.8
Shibumi
- 1–8 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 2.8/5
- 2011

Rules assistance for Orion
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Orion is a board game released in 1971 for 1–4 players, 20 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. Its main mechanics are Pattern Building.
This game was first published by Parker Brothers in 1971. It is in fact not a game in itself but a game system. The rule-book includes 15 games for 2-4 players and 7 puzzles for 1 player. The difficulties of the games are very variable. The parts and the board are without a doubt built to last, with a very ingenious system which makes the wheels "click". Pieces are in four different colors and are numbered. This even gives the possibility to note the games or ways to the solutions of the puzzles. And there is also a custom die! See Community Wiki for the list of games published with Orion.
Orion supports 1–4 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 Orion is 20 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 Orion for ages 8 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.
Orion has a complexity rating of 2.0 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.
Orion belongs to these categories: Abstract Strategy, Puzzle, and Game System. Its main mechanics are 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 catalogue lists Orion 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.