
- BGG rank
- BGG #3,909
- BGG rating
- 7.6
Patterns
- 2 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.9/5
- 2023

2026
Rules assistance for Under the Leaves
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Under the Leaves is a board game released in 2026 for 2–4 players, 25–40 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Brett J. Gilbert and Trevor Benjamin and its main mechanics are Tile Placement, Pattern Building, and Connections.
If we are able to maintain the health and diversity of our garden, then it will fill up with life and become a refuge for fascinating creatures. Hummingbirds and bees are the first to arrive, filling the air with color and movement, but if we stop and observe with more attention, we will discover a hidden and unknown world: tiny inhabitants abound in the mushrooms, puddles, and foliage. They are under our feet, living out their lives without being perceived...until we decide to look under the leaves. Each turn in Under the Leaves is played in two phases: the placement of a garden tile, then the possible arrival of new beings. Whoever gets the most pieces in total wins. —description from the publisher
Under the Leaves 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 Under the Leaves is 25–40 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 Under the Leaves 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.
Under the Leaves 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.
Under the Leaves belongs to these categories: Fantasy and Territory Building. Its main mechanics are Tile Placement, Pattern Building, and Connections. 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 Under the Leaves are: Brett J. Gilbert and Trevor Benjamin. 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 Under the Leaves 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.