by Mads Fløe
“The forest rewards those who know when to grow – and when to let go.”
Presentation
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Player count: 2-4
- Language: Danish and English
Moss is a strategic tile placement game for 2–4 players where every placement shapes both your immediate options and your final score. Over 12 fixed rounds, players build their own moss landscapes while navigating a constant dilemma: when is it best to let areas grow, and when is the right moment to close them off for critical advantages?
At the heart of Moss lies this ongoing tension between long-term scoring and powerful short-term bonuses.
Large, connected moss areas score points at the end of the game, while smaller enclosed areas trigger powerful bonuses when closed – granting resources, new scoring opportunities, and tactical flexibility. Since tile colors do not need to match when placing, every tile represents both a chance to expand – and a chance to close off areas for bonuses.
Players keep secret endgame scoring cards that encourage varied strategies, and fuels the competition over the available tiles and limited bonuses. This creates a tight, indirect interaction, where timing and reading your opponents’ intentions can be decisive.
Moss is easy to learn, yet rewards careful planning and precise play. With a clear structure, a tight 30 minute playtime and a balance that ensures no single strategy dominates – It’s the kind of game that invites you to play again. Because what if you had closed that area off just a little earlier… or a little later?
“The forest rewards those who know when to grow – and when to let go.”
About the designer
Hi! My name is Mads, and I have previously had games featured in Fastaval’s main board game competition, resulting in a total of three nominations for Best Board Game across three different titles. For many years I was also the lead organizer of Fastaval’s smaller board game competition, Game Rush, with a focus on nurturing up-and-coming game design talents.
In short, I am deeply passionate about board games, game designers, and the Fastaval community. I really look forward to greeting you at Fastaval!
