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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to herd dragons instead of geese or sheep? Welcome to the enchanting world of magicians, dragons, and a mystical book. In Dragonkeepers, you’ll step into the shoes of a dragon herder, casting spells, collecting amulets, and striving to become a legendary magician.
👥 2-4 players, ages 8+
⌛ Playing time: 20 minutes
📝 Designer: Michael Menzel
🎨 Artwork: Michael Menzel
🏢 Publisher: 999 Games (Dutch version, review copy provided) Originally published by KOSMOS.
Gameplay Overview
At the heart of the game is a magical book placed in the center of the table, featuring two draw piles of dragon cards. Each pile’s back reveals conditions that magicians must meet to bring new dragons into their herd—one pile shows a number, and the other displays a dragon’s color. From these piles, an open display of two dragon cards is created.
Players assume the roles of magicians, aiming to gather new dragons and amulets to build their magical herd. During their turn, a player can take up to three dragon cards from the display. Each time a card is taken, the open space is refilled, altering the conditions for herding dragons.
After drawing new dragons, players can modify the magic book by placing one card on each pile, tailoring the requirements to their advantage. They then place dragons into their herd according to the number and color conditions of the magic book. Each dragon color is sorted into its own pile, placed next to each other. However, players must remember that they can only play cards into piles at the end of the line. Once a third color is placed, the dragon color in the middle becomes unplayable.
Gathering dragons rewards players with bonuses from the magic book. This includes at least one amulet piece along with other rewards like crystals, shadow dragons, and golden eggs. Completing an amulet circle earns players a pearl, which can be red (worth 8 or 9 points) or blue (worth 3 or 4 points). Other bonuses, such as golden dragon eggs, add points at the game’s end, while shadow dragons act as wildcards, and crystals allow players to draw an extra dragon card.
At the end of the active player’s turn, opponents also have the opportunity to place dragons in their herd following the same conditions.
The game concludes when a specific number of amulets, determined by the number of players, are completed. Players then reveal all amulet pieces and tally their points. Additional points are awarded for golden eggs and the diversity token, which players earn upon playing their fourth dragon color.
Dragonkeepers is a family game designed for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up, with an average playtime of about 20 minutes. This charming game, crafted by the renowned illustrator Michael Menzel, who is known for his work on Legends of Andor and The Adventures of Robin Hood, marks his first venture into competitive game design. Our review copy was the Dutch version provided by 999 Games, though it was originally published by Kosmos in English and German.
Components and Artwork
The game comes with solid components that, while not spectacular, are sturdy and functional. The standout elements are undoubtedly the dragon cards, which Menzel has rendered with a cuteness that is sure to captivate players, especially children. The whimsical concept of herding dragons instead of the usual fantasy tropes where dragons are feared or battled offers a fresh and appealing twist to the genre.
Gameplay and Accessibility
Dragonkeepers’ rules are simple to understand and explain, making it accessible to a wide audience, including those who may not be experienced board gamers. Despite its ease of entry, the game is far from being a mere luckfest. It offers numerous strategic choices that require careful planning and foresight. Players must decide which dragons to collect, when to modify the magic book, and how to optimize their herd for maximum bonuses. The rule that players can only place cards into piles at the end of the line provides an interesting challenge without overcomplicating the game.
Strategic Depth
The game’s strategy revolves around balancing immediate benefits with long-term gains. Collecting smaller numbers of dragons can yield useful bonuses like crystals and shadow dragons, helping to complete amulets quickly and earning high-value red pearls. Alternatively, collecting larger sets of dragons can secure valuable rewards such as golden eggs and high-value amulet pieces. However, this approach can delay immediate benefits, which are crucial when timed well.
Players can influence the magic book to display favorable conditions, introducing another layer of strategy. By adjusting the magic book, players can either benefit themselves or hinder their opponents. Observing opponents’ herds can also provide strategic insights, as it’s possible to force them into taking less desirable cards or blocking their progress by cleverly altering the book’s requirements.
Family Fun and Interaction
Dragonkeepers has brought a lot of joy to our family game nights. The kids were particularly enchanted by the adorable dragon artwork, constantly commenting on their favorites and crafting little stories about them. It was fun to see them dive into the strategic aspects of the game, especially when they realized they could tweak the magic book to gain an edge over us. The mix of easy-to-understand rules and deeper strategic layers kept everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, engaged and entertained through multiple sessions.
Final Thoughts
Dragonkeepers finds a great balance between being simple enough for kids to enjoy and strategic enough to keep adults interested. Its unique theme and engaging gameplay make it a refreshing addition to our collection. If your family enjoys games that are easy to pick up but offer plenty of room for tactical thinking, Dragonkeepers is a solid choice. It’s a game that brings everyone together, providing a fun and memorable experience each time we play.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a copy of the game from the publisher, 999 Games, for this review.
