Ubongo: a brain boosting adventure
Posted: 22 October 2025, 13:01
A Kosmos’ oldie but goldie makes its way to Board Game Arena: Ubongo. The puzzle game, that was nominated for several awards upon release and pleased many across the years, is finally available. Interesting fact: did you know that “ubongo” meant “brain” in Swahili?
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to complete each of your 9 puzzles, over 9 rounds. You will get 3 colorful pieces per round to do the latter, each with a different shape and a different color.
Not only do you have to beat the timer, but you must do it before your opponent(s) and win some gems, each awarding a different number of points. The fastest player gets a blue sapphire and a random gem. The second gets an amber and a random one. If you play the 3 or 4 players version, the third and fourth fastest players get a random gem.
At the end of the ninth round, you add your gems’ value and the player with the most valuable gems wins. And here is the catch: as some gems are picked randomly, being the first to pick does not necessarily guarantee victory, but it definitely brings you closer.
Ubongo requires speed, spatial visualization and a little bit of luck. You can practice in the solo mode and when you are ready to put those skills to the test, click the link below:
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=ubongo
A tip of the hat for Grzegorz Rejchtman, the game designer, and Kosmos for letting us get this classic game on the platform. And a big thank you to Mizutismark for crafting this gem for BGA.
That's your Wednesday release,
Until next time, put your brain to the test and as always... take care and play fair!
