
- BGG rating
- 7.0
ShutterBug: Train Tickets
- 2–6 players
- 20–50 min
- 2018

2017
Rules assistance for ShutterBug
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.
ShutterBug is a board game released in 2017 for 2–6 players, 20–40 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Mike Elliott and its main mechanics are Hand Management and Set Collection.
Description from the publisher: 1932! The world is fascinated by growing rumors of hidden creatures that roam America. Popular tabloids are desperate for photographs of these mysterious beasts to prove the myths and sell tabloids. That's where you come in: As a freelance photographer looking to make a name for yourself, you must follow tips that have you scouring the country hoping to snap the pictures the tabloids desire. When your deadline arrives, you will sell your portfolio to score big! Now grab your camera and field notes, stay one step ahead of your rivals, and race to a photo finish as the greatest shutterbug of all time! ShutterBug is a fast-paced set collection game of opportunity and exploration for 2-6 players, played in eight rounds. Each turn, players move their pawn across a map of America, gathering tip cards and racing to specific spaces to take pictures of astounding mythical creatures. Trading tips with other players to build their portfolio of fantastic creature photos, players strive to earn points for fulfilling their secret assignment and actively completing side jobs. Every turn counts, and every photo gets players closer to their goals. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins!
ShutterBug supports 2–6 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 ShutterBug is 20–40 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 ShutterBug 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.
ShutterBug 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.
ShutterBug belongs to these categories: Exploration. Its main mechanics are Hand Management and Set Collection. 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 ShutterBug are: Mike Elliott. 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 ShutterBug 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.