I’m not a gardener in real life, but I still get immense satisfaction from watching things grow — not just in the botanical sense, but also in the way a game can evolve from a simple set of rules into a rich, multi-layered experience. Pergola, designed by Michał Gołąb Gołębiowski and Przemek Wojtkowiak and published by Rebel Studio, is a game that captures that feeling.
In the simplest sense, Pergola is a tile-laying puzzle wrapped in the gentle theme of garden design, but beneath the soft colours and floral motifs lies a game of sharp decisions, spatial tension, and subtle competition.
Pergola is also one of the most visually striking games that I’ve played this year — a game that doesn’t just look good on the table, but feels good to play. While Pergola is not without its quirks, it is a game that rewards repeat plays, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to adapt from one game to the next.
Each player takes turns placing tiles into a shared grid, gradually building a communal garden that everyone contributes to. The tiles themselves are made up of different plant types and colours, and the aim is to complete specific sets of plants and ultimately, insects which each score points.
Scoring sets might consist of certain colour combinations, specific arrangements of plant types, or patterns that stretch across multiple tiles. The challenge lies in timing – knowing when to commit to a specific set, when to pivot, and when to block your opponents from completing one before you do.
Because the garden is shared, every tile placement has the potential to help or hinder everyone at the table. You’re constantly weighing your options: do you place a tile that edges you closer to a goal, or do you disrupt a layout that’s clearly working in someone else’s favour? Pergola is not a confrontational game, but it’s not entirely serene either. There’s a quiet competitiveness to it – a sense that everyone is trying to shape the same space to their own advantage, without tipping the balance too far.
Turns are quick and intuitive despite the vast amount of components. You’ll draft a tool tile from a small shared pool, and then you’ll take the components shown on that tool and take the action printed on the board below it. With this in mind, players need to consider both the pieces they want, and the actions that are associated with them – sometimes the choices are optimal, and sometimes less so.
One of Pergola’s greatest strengths is its pacing. Each game moves briskly with very little downtime, and there’s a natural rhythm that emerges as the garden grows. Early turns are exploratory – you’re laying the groundwork, testing the waters and seeing what might be possible, but as the board fills up, tension and competition for pieces increases. Space becomes tight, options narrow, and every tile placement starts to feel critical. That arc — from coziness to crunchiness — is one of the things that makes Pergola so satisfying. It’s a game that respects your time, but still gives you something to chew on.
The components in Pergola are excellent. The tiles are thick and satisfyingly chunky, with clear iconography and a soft, inviting colour palette. The artwork is clean and consistent, evoking a sense of calm without ever becoming bland. Other standout features are the individual plant pots — one for each player — which serve as both a thematic touch and a functional player aid. These pots hold player components during storage, and act as “tool stands” for those tool tokens during the game.
Pergola also includes a Gametrayz plastic insert, designed to hold all the components neatly in place. It’s a thoughtful addition, and one that speaks to the care put into the production. That said, it’s not perfect, and during transit, components can (and will) shift around a bit thanks to the lack of a proper internal lid. It’s a minor issue, but one that slightly undermines an otherwise excellent presentation.
Replayability is strong, thanks to the modular goals and the variability of the tile draw. No two games play out the same way, and the shifting priorities from game to game keep things fresh. It’s the kind of game that invites you back for “just one more” round — not because it’s addictive, but because it’s satisfying. Like tending a real garden, it’s about the process as much as the result.
What I appreciate most about Pergola is how it balances accessibility with depth. The rules are easy to teach, the turns are quick, and the theme is inviting. Despite the soft look, there’s real strategy here, especially once you start to see the patterns – not just on the board, but in your opponents’ behaviour. It’s a game that rewards observation, timing, and a bit of opportunism.
Pergola is a quiet triumph — a game that combines elegance, accessibility, and depth in a way that feels effortless. It’s beautiful to look at, satisfying to play, and full of small, clever decisions that add up to a rich strategic experience. It’s not a game that will appeal to everyone, but then again – it doesn’t need to. It knows exactly what it is, and it does it with confidence and charm.
There are a few rough edges — the insert could be a touch more secure, and the solo mode, while solid, lacks the spark of multiplayer that gives Pergola some edge. However, these are small issues in an otherwise polished package. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for a thoughtful filler or a casual player drawn in by the theme, Pergola offers a garden worth tending.
Pergola is available now from Amazon
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