Koi

Key features of the board game Koi

What is the game about?

In Koi, you become breeders of ornamental carp, building your own ponds inspired by traditional Japanese gardens. You gradually place tiles of water, leaves, banks, and other elements to give your carp the best possible living space. The better the koi are surrounded by water and water lilies, the more victory points you will earn. The game is not just about creating a pretty picture. You must constantly think about how to use your turns effectively, how to expand your pond correctly, and when to invest in new carp.

Choose the right cards at the right time

The main mechanism in Koi is selecting cards from a central display. Each card gives you a different advantage—new tiles, coins, special abilities, or helpers who expand your options during the game. Correct timing is crucial, as cheaper cards tend to be less advantageous, and the more powerful ones often disappear before your opponents' eyes. You will compete with rival gardeners for quests and bonuses—first come, first served. In addition to building your pond, you also try to complete quests that add further tactical layers to the game. For example, you can acquire decorative bridges, statues, weeping willows, or a rare hundred-year-old carp.

Plan your pond down to the last tile

Spatial planning also plays a major role. Carp of different sizes occupy different amounts of space, and their placement determines the final score. Water lilies increase the value of adjacent koi, lanterns illuminate parts of the pond, and some special tiles offer unique scoring opportunities. At the end of the game, the player with the highest total score wins. Although the rules of Koi are not complicated, every decision has its significance. This makes the game feel calm and clear, but at the same time, it forces you to think several moves ahead.

Who is the game for?

Thanks to its simple basic rules, even less experienced players can learn Koi, yet it offers plenty of room for planning and thoughtful moves. It will please players who enjoy building their own game space, creating patterns, and gradually developing their strategy. It works excellently both in a family setting and among more experienced board gamers who will appreciate the combination of tactical decisions and long-term planning. Another great advantage is the visual aspect of the game, as each pond acquires its own unique look and character during play. Plus, thanks to the solo mode, you can enjoy the game even without fellow players.

Discover the magic of koi carp

Koi was published in 2025 under the Italian publisher DV Games. The game is inspired by Japanese culture, traditional gardens, and the history of breeding ornamental koi carp, which are a symbol of luck, perseverance, and harmony in Japan. The game itself also contains short texts about the history of koi carp and their significance in Japanese culture. For example, you will learn why they are called “floating flowers” or how some of the famous colour variations of these fish came to be. This makes Koi feel not just like an abstract strategy game, but also a thematically complete experience.