- BGG rating
- 7.0
Reef: Kings of the Coral
- 2–4 players
- 30–45 min
- Complexity 1.0/5
- 2018
- BGG rank
- BGG #932
- BGG rating
- 7.0
Reef
2018
Rules assistance for Reef
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 30–45 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.8/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Reef
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Reef is a board game released in 2018 for 2–4 players, 30–45 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Emerson Matsuuchi and its main mechanics are Hand Management, Tile Placement, and Layering.
Expansions
- BGG rating
- 7.4
Reef: Bonus Cards
- 2–4 players
- 30–45 min
- Complexity 2.0/5
- 2019
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About the game
In the game Reef, players take on the role of a coral reef, carefully selecting colors and patterns in which to grow and expand. On each turn, players can choose to pick up a new card from a choice of four, or play a card that is already in hand. Each card provides two reef pieces and a pattern that scores points if the existing reef has it (after placing the two new pieces). Whoever has the most points when the reef pieces (or card deck) run out wins! Reef is an abstract strategy game suited for players aged 8 and up. While it could take thousands of years for a coral reef to grow, a game of Reef should take only 30-45 minutes.
Categories
Designers
Publishers
- Pegasus Spiele
- Arclight Games
- Broadway Toys LTD
- Galápagos Jogos
- Ghenos Games
- Happy Baobab
- FoxGames
- Next Move Games
Questions and answers
Reef 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 Reef is 30–45 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 Reef 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.
Reef has a complexity rating of 1.8 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.
Reef belongs to these categories: Animals and Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Tile Placement, and Layering. 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 Reef are: Emerson Matsuuchi. 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 Reef 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.