Ravensburger

Ravensburger Azul Board Game

Board Games & Puzzles

Our Take

Azul is an abstract tile-drafting board game published by Ravensburger in which players compete to decorate a Portuguese palace wall with colourful patterned tiles. Designed by Michael Kiesling, it won the 2018 Spiel des Jahres — the most prestigious award in board gaming. It suits families and casual gamers looking for something strategic yet approachable.

Key Features

Players: 2–4 players

Recommended age: 8 and above

Average play time: approximately 30–45 minutes per game

Contains over 100 Bakelite-style resin tiles in five colours, noticeably heavier and more tactile than standard cardboard tokens

Includes four player boards, factory display circles, and a fabric tile bag for randomised draws

Gameplay involves drafting tiles from shared displays and arranging them into rows to score points

Our Verdict

Azul is an excellent choice for families wanting to move beyond Monopoly, and for adults new to modern board gaming. The Spiel des Jahres pedigree is well earned. Those seeking thematic depth, co-operative play, or a lower price point should look elsewhere.

What We Like

Genuinely satisfying tile quality that elevates the physical experience of play
Rules are simple to teach but the scoring system creates meaningful strategic decisions
Plays quickly enough for a weeknight game without outstaying its welcome

Things to Consider

Two-player games feel noticeably different in pace and tension compared to three or four players
The scoring rules have enough wrinkles that new players will likely make mistakes in the first game
Limited theme — the Moorish tile aesthetic is attractive but won't appeal to those wanting narrative or storytelling elements
At around £30–£35 RRP, it sits at the pricier end for families used to high-street classics

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