Flamecraft is a family board game with simple rules and stunning illustrations. Thanks to a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2021, this project raised an impressive $2 million and hit shelves worldwide by 2022. Designed by Manny Vega, with adorable dragons and charming shops illustrated by Sandara Tang, “Flamecraft” now ranks in the top 100 family games on the authoritative Board Game Geek site, boasting twelve awards and accolades—including the title of "Most Beautiful Game Winner of 2023."

About the Board Game Flamecraft

In a magical universe lies a town where dragons don’t raze castles or snack on knights—they live harmoniously with residents, using their special flames to brew morning coffee and bake fragrant bread. Only the Flamekeepers can speak their language, pairing these dragons with perfect homes and inspiring them to craft wondrous things. By aiding shopkeepers and dragons, each Flamekeeper earns reputation points, and only the most renowned will claim the title of "Master Flamecrafter"!

Gameplay

One to five players help townsfolk craft goods, enchant shops, and expand the town. Every dragon is unique with a specialized role, so players must consider their traits when placing them in shops. Dragons come in two types:

• Artisan Dragons. Divided into six types, these dragons assist shops based on their craft. For example, Vine excels with plants, while Ironwing is a master blacksmith.
• Fancy Dragons. Split into two kinds, they boost reputation. Solar dragons add points during the game, while Lunar dragons shine at the end.

On their turn, a Flamekeeper visits a shop and chooses one of two actions. If other players are present at the shop, you must gift each one a good or coin of your choice.

Gathering from a Shop

This action lets you collect goods and coins from the shop, along with any enchantments and dragons there. Optionally, you can trigger a dragon’s “fiery” ability, place an artisan dragon in one of the shop’s three slots (dragon and slot symbols must match), or use the shop’s ability.

Enchanting a Shop

Pick an enchantment from the open cards (symbols must match the shop’s), pay its cost in resources and coins, then tuck it under the shop card. You receive the listed reward. Optionally, you can activate all fiery abilities of dragons placed in the shop.

End of Turn

After your action, check your limits for artisan dragon cards in hand and resources in your personal supply, discarding any excess. If one or more shops are fully occupied, new shop cards are added to the board, and the turn passes to the next Flamekeeper. When the last dragon or enchantment card is drawn or taken, the game ends. The player with the most reputation points earns the title "Master Flamecrafter."

We recommend watching the video rules in the “Video” section and, if desired, exploring a detailed, illustrated PDF of the rules in the “Files” section.

In Conclusion

A vibrant playmat board, breathtaking art, humorous dragon and shop names (special thanks to “Igromag” for the translation), and a cleverly crafted worker-placement mechanic make this a standout among family board games. Solo players aren’t forgotten either—a solo mode is included. As for age, kids as young as eight can confidently join in.

Gallu the Rooster guarantees you’ll enjoy the gameplay and won’t regret buying it—though you might wish you’d grabbed the wooden resource tokens right away, as they add visual and tactile delight to every session.