BoardGameArchiveApiary
Deploy worker bees, explore planets, gather resources, develop technologies, build your hive and manage hibernation.
Deploy worker bees, explore planets, gather resources, develop technologies, build your hive and manage hibernation.
Lead a faction of advanced Mellifera through worker placement, exploration and hive construction, using stronger workers for stronger actions before they hibernate.
Why it stands out
Worker strength is temporary, which makes timing unusually important: powerful bees can unlock better actions, but every use pushes them closer to hibernation.
About Apiary
Deploy worker bees, explore planets, gather resources, develop technologies, build your hive and manage hibernation.
Game at a Glance
Game overview
Deploy worker bees, explore planets, gather resources, develop technologies, build your hive and manage hibernation.
Player count
1–5 players
Playing time
60–90 minutes
Official rules
Refer to the publisher for edition-specific details.
Rules overview
Place worker bees on action spaces to explore, farm, advance, convert resources and expand your hive. Stronger workers improve actions, while displaced workers gain strength until eventually hibernating. Faction powers and hive tiles create asymmetric development paths.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Worker strength is a timing resource. Using a strong bee on a mediocre action can waste both efficiency and the remaining life of that worker.
Related games
Learn Apiary in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 17, 2026. Base game only; Expanding the Hive is excluded.