Hive
Hive explained: Queen Bee placement, one-hive movement, insect abilities, pinning and the race to surround the opposing Queen.
Build the playing area as you add insect pieces around a single connected Hive—there is no separate board.
Each insect moves differently. The goal is to completely surround the opponent’s Queen Bee, using either player’s pieces as part of the enclosure.
Why We Love It
Hive creates chess-like tactical depth without a board. Placement, movement and the one-hive rule make local moves affect the shape and mobility of the entire position.
About Hive
Build the playing area as you add insect pieces around a single connected Hive—there is no separate board.
Each insect moves differently. The goal is to completely surround the opponent’s Queen Bee, using either player’s pieces as part of the enclosure.
Game at a Glance
Build the Hive
New pieces join the connected group under placement restrictions.
Protect the Queen
Your Queen must enter early enough to unlock movement.
Use Insect Movement
Ants, beetles, spiders and grasshoppers move differently.
Surround the Enemy
Enclose the opposing Queen on all six sides to win.
Who Hive suits
Two players who want a portable, deterministic abstract game with no hidden information and deep positional tactics.
Rules overview
Players alternate placing or moving insect pieces while keeping all pieces connected as one Hive. The Queen Bee must be placed by the required early turn before that player may continue normal development. Each insect has its own movement rule, and the sliding freedom and one-hive restrictions limit legal moves.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Mobility matters more than raw piece count. Avoid pinning your own useful pieces behind an immobile structure, and look for moves that both restrict the opposing Queen and preserve your own routes. Beetle elevation and ant mobility can radically change local control.
Common questions
Is there a board?
No. The pieces themselves create the playing area.
Can the Hive split into two groups?
No. The one-hive rule requires the connected structure to remain intact.
How do you win?
Surround the opposing Queen Bee on all six sides; surrounding pieces can belong to either player.
Related games
Learn Hive in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 16, 2026. Strategy sections are editorial analysis based on the identified rules rather than measured win-rate claims.