Qwirkle – A Classic Tile Game That Still Holds Up?
Is it worth publishing a game in 2025 that’s been around for nearly two decades? Judging by its continued sales, the answer is yes—but after so long, you’d expect a few improvements, right? Here’s my review of Qwirkle.
Simple and Satisfying Gameplay
Before diving into criticisms, let’s talk about the gameplay. Qwirkle has been around since 2006, and for good reason. Designed for 2–4 players ages 6 and up, it’s a tile-laying game with very simple rules that place it in the family of accessible logic games. When you pull Qwirkle out at the table, you’ll quickly get a whiff of Rummikub or Scrabble. It’s the kind of game that works well across generations.
Each player has six tiles with colored symbols. There are six shapes and six colors in total. On their turn, a player adds tiles to the shared grid in a line—either matching shapes with different colors or matching colors with different shapes. No tile can repeat in the same line. Players earn points for each line that the newly placed tiles extend. It’s like a crossword puzzle with shapes and colors.
After playing tiles, players draw replacements from the bag. Play continues until the tile bag is empty and someone places their final tile. Points are tallied throughout the game, not just at the end. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and very zen.
While the game can slow down as the grid grows and options multiply (known as "downtime"), this slower pace also enhances its relaxing nature. Personally, I enjoyed the puzzle-like flow and strategic placement of tiles. But there are definitely a few things Qwirkle could improve.
Stuck in 2006: Component Quality
Looking at the box, I got nostalgic vibes—which was fine, at first. But once opened, it felt more like stepping into the 1990s than 2006. My wife even asked if I had bought a second-hand copy.
Inside, you’ll find wooden tiles held by a flimsy cardboard insert. It immediately went into the trash. Thankfully, a sturdy fabric bag is included and does a great job keeping everything organized. Frankly, they should just package the game around that bag—it’s the best part of the presentation.
The wooden tiles themselves are a mixed bag. While they’re nicely weighted and made from solid material, the finishing is rough. Edges are splintered or jagged, and the glossy black coating reflects light poorly, making the tiles look worn. A matte finish would be a big improvement.
Some players have also noted that under warm lighting, red and orange tiles can be hard to distinguish. While this wasn’t a problem for us under neutral lighting, colorblind players would benefit from symbol-based color cues—something that’s missing here.
One major disappointment: the lack of tile holders. Players are left balancing tiles on their edges, and any table bump sends them flying. Ironically, the travel edition reportedly includes holders. Also, there’s no score track, which is frustrating given that you tally points constantly. A simple printed scoreboard or player boards with a scoring path (like in Azul) would go a long way.
Who Is Qwirkle For?
Qwirkle is a relaxing, casual puzzle game. Its simplicity and logic-driven play make it ideal for families, older players, and younger kids. But if you’re a modern hobby gamer looking for depth or modern components, this may feel dated.
It’s a shame the production hasn’t evolved since 2006. Just a few small improvements could turn Qwirkle into a must-have. As it stands, it’s a nostalgic classic best enjoyed with those who love the comfort of simpler times.
