Photosynthesis
Grow trees around a rotating sun, collect light while avoiding shadows, and time planting, growth and harvesting across a changing forest.
Plant seeds and grow trees on a shared forest board while the sun rotates around its edge.
Trees generate light points when not blocked by shadows. Those points pay for planting, growth and harvesting, making spatial timing central to the economy.
Why We Love It
Photosynthesis makes position change value as the sun rotates around the board. A strong tree can produce light now, cast a useful shadow later and eventually become more valuable if harvested from a central space.
About Photosynthesis
Plant seeds and grow trees on a shared forest board while the sun rotates around its edge.
Trees generate light points when not blocked by shadows. Those points pay for planting, growth and harvesting, making spatial timing central to the economy.
Game at a Glance
Follow the Sun
The direction of light changes every round as the sun rotates.
Grow Trees
Spend light to progress seeds into small, medium and large trees.
Cast Shadows
Larger trees can block shorter trees from generating light.
Harvest at the Right Time
Mature central trees can score well, but removing them changes future light patterns.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is Hjalmar Hach’s forest strategy game for 2–4 players. Blue Orange lists it for ages 8+ with a 45–60 minute play time.
The central sun rotates around the board, changing which trees receive light and which are trapped in another tree’s shadow.
How the game works
During each round, the sun shines from one side of the board. Trees generate light points if they are not blocked by taller trees in front of them.
Players spend light to buy seeds and trees, plant new seeds, grow existing trees or harvest mature trees for scoring. Position determines both future income and blocking.
The decisions that define it
A tree can be productive from one sun angle and useless from another. Strong placement therefore looks several rotations ahead instead of optimizing only the current round.
Growing a tree can increase your income while also casting a longer shadow on opponents—or on your own future trees.
Who is it for?
Choose Photosynthesis if you want a visually clear nature game with direct spatial competition and predictable but changing geometry.
Choose Cascadia or Harmonies if you prefer personal spatial puzzles with less interference.
Learn Photosynthesis in depth
Publisher sources & scope
Checked September 16, 2026. This hub covers the original Photosynthesis base game.