Alchemists

A logic puzzle wearing a worker placement coat, refereed by your phone.

3.7/5

Players2-4

Play time90-120 min

WeightHeavy

Ages14+

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The verdict

One of the smartest deduction games ever boxed, as long as you bring the time, the patience, and a willingness to think hard for two straight hours.

Best for: Note-taking puzzle lovers who want a real brain workout

The full review

What it is

Here's the pitch. You're a medieval alchemist mixing ingredients into potions, trying to work out which of eight ingredients carries which property. An app plays the part of reality, telling you whether your toad-and-mushroom brew poisoned the test subject or just gave them gas. You log results on a deduction grid, narrow the possibilities, then publish theories for fame. It's a logic puzzle bolted to a worker placement game, and the welding is excellent.

The catch

Now the honest part. This is heavy, and the box knows it. Players consistently warn that even a two-player game runs past 90 minutes, and a full table can push two hours plus a long teach. Setup is fiddly too, with a cardboard player board you fold and align to your grid. The deduction tightens as you go, so the pressure never lets up. Casual folks at the table tend to bounce hard. This is a gamer's game, full stop.

Who it's for

But if you love sitting with a notebook and grinding a problem until it cracks, few games scratch that itch like this one. The app isn't a gimmick, it's the referee that lets everyone play, and reviewers keep saying they wouldn't run it without one. You can publish a theory you're not sure of, gamble on it, and get publicly humiliated when a rival disproves you. That sting is the whole joy. Bring time and a sharp pencil.

What other players say

This write-up is grounded in real reviews and player discussion, not just one opinion. A few worth reading:

Alchemists

What it is

The catch

Who it's for

What other players say

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