Cascadia Board Game by AEG and Flatout Games
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For Him / Her / Kids
Hive Board Game — a deep two-player strategy game that fits in a bag
Hive Board Game by Gen42 Games
Reviewed by the WhyToBuyThis team · Updated September 2026 · How we choose
Perfect for
- Two-player strategy
- Travel
- No board needed
- Under $45
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Price: $39.55
Price may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything extra.
- Great gift ideaChosen for real-world gifting
- Hand-pickedCurated, not scraped
- Honest reviewThe catch, not just the hype
Why this gift works
Hive is a two-player abstract strategy game by John Yianni from Gen42 Games, for ages 9 and up, taking about 20 minutes. There is no board: 22 hexagonal Bakelite pieces with raised insect designs form the play area, and each insect moves differently - the beetle climbs on top, the grasshopper jumps, the ant travels around the edge. A player wins by surrounding the opponent's Queen Bee on all six sides. A zippered travel bag is included.
It has the depth of a classic strategy game in a box small enough for a backpack, and the pieces are nearly indestructible. It suits two-player strategy fans and travelers.
Who is this gift for?
Great for
- A two-player strategy fan
- A traveler
- A parent and older child
Think twice if
- They want luck-driven games
- They play in groups
The catch
It plays two only, there is no luck, so the more experienced player usually wins, and the Mosquito, Ladybug and Pillbug expansion pieces are sold separately.
Skip if they prefer luck and light games, or play mostly in groups.
Key specs
| Publisher | Gen42 Games (US: Smart Zone Games) |
|---|---|
| Designer | John Yianni |
| Players | 2 |
| Play time | About 20 minutes |
| Age | 9+ |
| Pieces | 22 Bakelite hexagonal pieces |
| Included | Zippered travel bag |
Worth knowing before you buy
- Hive Pocket and Hive Carbon are separate editions.
- Each side has 11 pieces.
Why we like it
- Deep strategy in a small bag
- Tough Bakelite pieces
- Plays anywhere
- Quick games
What to look for in a travel strategy game
- Size. No-board games pack small.
- Durability. Solid pieces survive travel.
- Depth. Games without luck reward practice.
Questions people ask
Two.
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