Description
Players are a party of fierce nymphs with unique powers. You have been lured in to this beautiful garden by day, only to find it turns evil at night, making every effort to keep you within its grasp. Do not let the word ‘garden’ fool you – this place is a vast woodland with shifting terrain and it will take many days to find your way to freedom.
The main aim of the game is to work together to ensure every nymph leaves the board, escaping Malus Hortus. Along your journey you’ll meet the malevolent flowers that rule the garden as well as adorable critters to save.
Magical creatures from many different realms find themselves ensnared by, and lost in Malus Hortus; through night cards and critter cards you will encounter a number of them along your journey, as well as being affected by the enchantments they use to try and flee. Be warned, not all of them are quite as kind natured as your fellow nymphs – it is not just the flowers of Malus Hortus that you need fear.
Do you have what it takes to enter Malus Hortus?
What’s in the box?
1 Rulebook
1 Game Board
4 Player Boards
42 Rune Stone Cards
32 Night Cards
20 Critter Cards
32 Uprooted Cards
4 Nymph Standees
8 Flower Standees
12 Standee Bases
10 Critter Tokens
20 Magic Tokens
4 Health Trackers
4 Power Tokens
1 First Player Token
1 Corruption Token
1 4-sided die
1 8-sided die
3 Cotton bags
1 Scorepad
Malus Hortus has been made with zero plastics inside the box, you will find wooden dice and cotton bags instead of plastics. The game will arrive with shrink wrap to keep it in good condition during storage and travel, please recycle this the way you would a plastic bag.
Player Quotes
“Malus Hortus combines cooperation, suspense and strategy into a deliciously compelling games. With intriguing lore and fine-tuned mechanics, it may well be one of the most engaging cooperative experiences I’ve had yet!”
– Rhi from Stop, Drop
“We had the pleasure of trying out Malus Hortus at UKGE 2023 and absolutely loved it. It’s a brilliant cooperative game that you can’t help but get immersed in. The artwork is clever and stunning and the gameplay is family friendly whilst also capturing the hearts of seasoned gamers.”
– Suey, Diary of a Lincoln Geek
“The theme is unusual and is brought to life during the game as every night and critter card is accompanied by wonderful text that takes you on a journey through the garden creating a story as you play which was a wonderful addition that immerses you in this world.”
– Sue, Board Game Goode
“There is everything to love about this game! Bring along your friends or go it alone against a truly evil garden! I was captivated by the art and the next thing I knew, the game had wrapped me in its vines and I was green with envy I haven’t designed a cooperative game anywhere near this good!”
– Benny Sperling, Roll & Write Revolution
“The setting is captivating and really appeals to your imagination. I certainly enjoyed reading the introduction to Malus Hortus. It is clear that the storytelling in this game is really important. … It almost feels like you’re about to start a role-playing game.”
– Oliver, Tabletop Games Blog
“The shared magic pool and the Nymph and Critter support actions encourage fully cooperative play and keep players discussing their options as the game advances.”
– David, DCLXVI
“What makes the game stand out even more are the illustrations though. Nikita not only designed the game, but also illustrated everything. The drawings I have seen so far are amazing. So I can only imagine how gorgeous the final game will look. It’s a testament to the amount of love and attention Nikita puts into all of her games. I definitely can’t wait to see the final product…. you certainly will have a real adventure every time you try to escape the evil garden.”
– Oliver, Tabletop Games Blog
“We enjoyed the dark fantasy theme; there are plenty of narrative elements and lore which completely immerse you in the world of this game. The mechanics and narrative are so intertwined and that’s a standout part of why we think this game is superb.”
– Em & Ben, Board Hoard Scored
“A coop game dripping with narrative where teamwork is essential to survive.”
– Sue, Board Game Goode”
“I loved this theme! I read a lot of books featuring poisonous plants so this theme really sang to me and I loved the beautiful / deadly contrast this evoked. ”
– Jen & Darren, Meandering Meeple
“You will be drafting and playing Rune cards to move along the paths and activate bonuses on the spaces you land upon (or facing the fiendish flowers if they catch you!) as well as facing night-time nasties and using shared magic to rescue critters.”
– Tora, Favourite Foe
“The text on the night cards was really well written and added some lovely atmosphere and story to the game, whilst also providing interesting consequences and choices.
– Jen & Darren, Meandering Meeple”
“Cooperation is essential if you want to survive the night. Who knew plants could be so brutal? Malus Hortus offers an interesting take on the co-op genre and is really fun to play with friends.”
– Neil, Board Game Happy
“Malus Hortus is one of the most enjoyable board games I have played. No two games play the same; when you feel you have a plan to escape the garden and all is in control, the garden throws up a twist, humbles you, and puts you on the back foot. I really enjoy the co-operative aspect also. Working together as a team against the game is really rewarding and fun. Finally, I adore the effort put in to tell an engaging story and to establish lore around Malus Hortus. It brings all the elements together and makes this a unique, engaging, rewarding and ultimately fun game to play.”
– Matthew
“Malus Hortus is a fantastic collaborative game that intertwines both luck and strategy to escape a twisted and evil garden that is out to get you. The effort that Nikita has put into this game truly shows. And each playthrough has been entirely different. Highly recommend!”
– Katarina
“Thoroughly enjoyable, with enough challenge, choices and extras to keep you returning for another game.”
– Aaron
“Fun games but I’m now scared to go into my garden. What if my flowers turn evil too??” – Oli
“Lovely playability, concept and so much potential for the base game and future expansions. Looking forward to the finished article.” (quoted based on prototype copy)
– Helen
“Had a lot of fun playing this. Quick to understand and get to grips with allowing to just enjoy the unfolding story. Lots of highs and lows, so never a dull turn.”
– Fox.
“Malus Hortus is a tight, co-operative game with a nice, tense feel to the design. This is a game that will suit those who appreciate a good challenge and thrive in such environments.”
– Emesh.
“One of us is going to have to die.” (heard during play, personally one of my favourite moments during demos)
– Amy
The colours of product images online may differ from the products you receive due to variations in electronic screen settings (computer/laptop/tablet/smartphones).
