How To Play: Brew

Overview

So you just got Brew, opened the box, and now you’re surrounded by tiny forrest creatures and more dice than you can shake a stick at. Don’t panic! In this guide, I’ll give you a simple outline of the game rules (yes, I actually played it with my friends, chaos and all) plus the best strategies for winning. Let’s help you stop losing to your little cousin.

What’s in the box

• 1 Day board
• 1 Night board
• 4 Player boards
• 16 Forest cards
• 24 Creature cards
• 36 Potion cards
• 20 Forage dice (5 per player color)
• 6 Element dice
• 64 Forage tokens
• 40 Energy tokens
• 25 Berries tokens
• 24 Fire tokens
• 12 Mushroom tokens
• 12 Crystal tokens
• 4 Reference cards
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Brew: Rules Summary

Setup

1. First, give each player a character board and four dice matching their color. Yes, even your friend who always spills the snacks.
2. Next, place the forest cards in the middle. Shuffle them up first, unless you like chaos and arguments.
3. Put potion cards nearby and fill up the ingredient pool. Try not to eat these (trust me, they don’t taste great).
4. Shuffle the creature deck and set it out. Lay out some creatures for adoption, not for a petting zoo.
5. Last, decide who goes first. Arm wrestling is optional but hilarious.

Gameplay

1. Roll all your dice at the start of your turn. This part is pure luck, so cross your fingers.
2. Place your dice on either a forest or the village to gather ingredients, train creatures, or brew potions. This is where you start thinking, “How To Play brew and not embarrass myself.”
3. Grab ingredients and make potions. Or, collect creatures who give you weird but handy powers. It’s like making your own furry army.
4. Once everyone runs out of dice, end the round and reset. No tears allowed!
5. Keep playing rounds until all forest cards are gone, or someone wins by laughing first. (Okay, just until the forests are gone.)

Winning

1. Score points from brewed potions, controlled forests, and loyal creatures. If you don’t win, blame the dice.
2. The player with the most points wins. They get to brag until the next game night.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you fill an entire forest with your dice, you win that forest. Do a victory dance. (Optional, but encouraged.)
2. Each potion has a funky power. Use it at just the right time to annoy your friends.
3. Creatures can bend the rules. Read their powers or you’ll miss out on sneaky moves.
4. If you ever run out of creatures in the market, refill it pronto. Don’t leave everyone waiting!

Now you’re ready to start a game night and act like you know How To Play brew better than the neighbors. Good luck, and may your dice roll high (or at least higher than mine)!

Best Brew Strategies

Master Your Potions: Brew’s Guide to Optimal Resource Management

Start With a Plan

Right out the gate, I always check what resources I need for my potions. Winging it gets you nowhere, trust me.

1. Scan potion costs on your first turn.
2. Settle on two potions to focus on.

Gather Smart, Not Hard

Rocks, berries, fire, water—I grab what’s rare first. My friends regret leaving rare resources for last.

1. Block opponents from hard-to-get items.
2. Trade less useful stuff quickly.

Keep an Eye on the Market

After that, stay flexible. If someone throws a curveball, I adapt and snatch up what I can.

1. Watch what others need and steal it (with a smile).
2. Don’t hoard; spend early and often.

And that’s how I almost always brew up a win. Want more on how to play brew? Just wait until my next wild tale.

Unleashing the Beast: Creature Card Synergy for the Win

I have seen games of Brew swing on smart creature combos. Trust me, my friends learned to fear my squirrel army! Knowing how to stack creature cards gives you a huge leg up. Here’s how I managed to mess up my buddy Tom’s plans during our last match.

Combine Abilities for Maximum Chaos

1. Match creatures with similar powers for big effects.
2. Play cards that boost each other’s turns.

Time Your Creature Plays

1. Save powerful creatures for key moments.
2. Block your rivals by dropping the right card at the worst time for them.

Expand Your Creature Network

1. Collect a wide range of creatures early.
2. Keep your options open for late-game combos.

This is why learning How To Play brew with creature synergy will keep your rivals sweating every round!

Conquer the Forest: Brew’s Area Control Secrets

Start Small, Think Big

First, I always grab easy-to-reach areas early on. Crowding out friends right away makes them grumble, but it works!

1. Claim low-resistance spaces fast.
2. Block paths sneaky-like.

Bully With Numbers

Next, pile your dice where it hurts. When I stack lots of dice, my friends get annoyed and back off. It’s great.

1. Outnumber rivals to scare them away.
2. Pick targets where you can hold on longest.

React and Adapt

Don’t stick to one plan. Instead, watch where others pile up and shift focus. I change my plans every round — keeps everyone guessing.

1. Keep an eye on shifting threats.
2. Jump between zones as needed.

Turn Order Shenanigans

Finally, act last in a round if you can. That way, you sweep unguarded spaces and ruin everyone’s day. How To Play brew is all about smart timing, after all.

1. Save dice for late-round surprises.

Brewing Up Victory: Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, give yourself a pat on the back! You now know How To Play brew better than my uncle knows how to mispronounce “quinoa” (he still says KWEE-no-ah). Remember, resources are your friends, but don’t let them sit in your pocket gathering dust. Use those potions like you’re at a wizard’s happy hour. Don’t underestimate a cheeky creature combo, and always keep your eyes on the forest for that sweet, sweet area control. Most of all, have fun. Board games are all about laughing, plotting, and maybe a little bit of friendly sabotage. May your dice roll hot and your friends forgive your cunning plays!

Want to know what we think of Brew? Read our detailed review of Brew here