Stem & Branch

About this board game

Stem & Branch is an approachable, fast-playing strategy card game for 1–4 players, with games lasting around 30 minutes. Inspired by the animals and elements of the 60-year Eastern zodiac calendar, it challenges players to rebuild the calendar from beginning to end.

The game is represented by a 60-card deck, with each card symbolizing a year guided by a Spirit Animal and one of the Five Elements. As Immortals, players nurture the Tree of Time by summoning and ascending Spirit Animals from the Stream of Time, then recording their progress on the Scroll of Time.

Summoning a Spirit Animal requires payment based on its rank and Element Type. Players spend matching Animals and Elements they control, while Animals already on the board can share their Element Type to make future summons and ascensions easier.

• Shared tableau: Compete or cooperate while building the calendar together.
• Elemental card play: Use matching Animals and Elements to summon Spirit Animals.
• Two ways to play: Work together cooperatively or compete to contribute the most years.
• Time pressure: The game ends when the Stream of Time runs out.

In cooperative play, everyone works together to help all the Spirit Animals complete their journeys before time is exhausted. In competitive play, players vie for control of the Animals and Elements, seeking to devote the most years to the Tree of Time.

When the Stream of Time runs out, players add the years they gained. The player who contributed the most years wins, while cooperative players share the goal of completing every Spirit Animal’s journey. With its accessible rules and meaningful zodiac theme, Stem & Branch offers families and gamers a rewarding way to explore the depth of the Eastern zodiac.