Monkey Palace

Monkey Palace is currently seeing weekly play for one reason: the physicality of stacking real bricks into a vertical staircase, with each new segment required to surpass the last in height, creates a tactical puzzle that’s both visual and tense. The engine-building core is familiar, but the demand for literal upward growth—combined with tactical scoring tied to your construction—keeps even seasoned players engaged. This isn’t just a novelty; the spatial challenge and the pressure to outpace rivals in both height and efficiency give it staying power among groups that have seen plenty of “build and score” titles. From a logistics standpoint, Monkey Palace is a host’s friend. Setup is quick—just sort the market cards and lay out the bricks. The game’s footprint is modest, but you’ll want a stable table; a wobbly surface can turn a tense round into a collapse. With a 45-minute session time, it’s a solid main event for a weeknight, especially when you want something tactile but not sprawling. The physical wrangle is minimal compared to most construction games, but you’ll still want to keep an eye on the brick supply and make sure the build area stays clear. Teaching Monkey Palace is a 20-minute investment, mostly to clarify the vertical growth rule: every new staircase segment must be higher than the last, and that’s non-negotiable. Once players grasp that, the rest is straightforward, but you can’t just walk away—competitive play means players will push the rules and test boundaries, especially around scoring and placement. The interaction is indirect but ever-present, with players eyeing each other’s builds and jockeying for position. The room stays lively, with plenty of table talk and the occasional groan when a risky stack pays off—or topples. The brick-stacking mechanic isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the backbone of a strategy game that rewards planning and adaptability.