Hive Carbon Edition – Award-Winning Black & White Strategy Game with Expansions

The Sophisticated Strategy Game in Monochrome

Hive Carbon is the premium special edition of the award-winning Hive board game, featuring an elegant black and white color scheme that appeals to modern minimalist aesthetics. This sophisticated version delivers the same strategic depth and innovative gameplay as the classic Hive, but with a sleek carbon-inspired design that looks stunning on any tabletop. Perfect for players who appreciate contemporary design, chess enthusiasts seeking fresh challenges, and anyone who values refined, timeless game aesthetics.

Number of Players: 2 players
Recommended Age: 9 years and up
Average Game Time: 20 minutes
Tile Size: 38mm (1.5 inches) across, 12mm thick – Full standard size
Weight: 600g (21.2 oz) – Substantial, premium feel
Awards: Mensa Select Winner, Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product
Special Features: Includes Mosquito & Ladybug expansion pieces – 26 tiles total

What Makes Hive Carbon Special?

Hive Carbon edition transforms the colorful insect pieces into a striking monochrome palette—pure black versus crisp white pieces with contrasting markings. This classic color scheme creates a sophisticated, chess-like visual appeal while maintaining all the tactical depth that made Hive famous. The high-contrast black and white design not only looks elegant but also makes piece identification instantaneous during intense gameplay.

Unlike the standard Hive game that includes 22 pieces, Hive Carbon comes complete with 26 premium tiles including both the Mosquito and Ladybug expansion pieces right in the box. These normally-separate expansions add significant strategic depth and tactical variety, making Hive Carbon the most complete version available. You’re getting $15+ worth of expansion content included at no extra cost.

How to Win

The objective remains elegantly simple yet strategically profound: surround your opponent’s Queen Bee with pieces (of any color) on all six sides while protecting your own Queen from the same fate. The first player to completely surround their opponent’s Queen Bee wins the game. Every move matters in this chess-like battle of tactical positioning and strategic foresight.

Gameplay Overview

Hive Carbon strategy game begins with an empty playing surface—no board required. Players take turns either placing a new insect tile from their hand or moving a piece already in play. Each player must place their Queen Bee by their fourth turn, and pieces cannot be moved until after the Queen is placed. The challenge lies in the “One Hive Rule”—the connected group of pieces must never be separated into multiple groups during any move.

The board-free design means you can play Hive Carbon anywhere: kitchen tables, coffee shops, outdoor patios, or even on textured surfaces. The pieces create their own playing field, expanding and contracting organically as the battle unfolds.

Each of the seven insect types in Hive Carbon moves uniquely:

• Queen Bee (1 piece) – Moves one space at a time around the hive, like a king in chess
• Beetle (2 pieces) – Moves one space and can climb on top of other pieces, immobilizing them completely
• Grasshopper (3 pieces) – Jumps in a straight line over adjacent pieces to the next empty space
• Spider (2 pieces) – Moves exactly three spaces around the outside perimeter of the hive
• Soldier Ant (3 pieces) – The most versatile piece, can move to any position around the hive’s edge
• Mosquito (1 piece – EXPANSION) – Takes on the movement ability of any adjacent piece it touches
• Ladybug (1 piece – EXPANSION) – Moves two spaces on top of the hive, then one space down to an adjacent empty space

The Mosquito expansion piece provides incredible tactical flexibility by mimicking neighboring insects’ abilities, effectively giving you multiple pieces in one. The Ladybug’s unique climbing movement opens up entirely new strategic pathways by traversing over the top of the hive. These expansions transform Hive from excellent to extraordinary.

What’s in the Box

26 Premium Bakelite Hexagonal Tiles Total:

• 13 Black pieces with white insect markings
• 13 White pieces with black insect markings

Each Player Receives:

• 1 Queen Bee tile
• 3 Soldier Ant tiles
• 2 Spider tiles
• 2 Beetle tiles
• 3 Grasshopper tiles
• 1 Mosquito tile (expansion piece included)
• 1 Ladybug tile (expansion piece included)

Also Includes:

• Premium round zippered travel bag (durable nylon)
• Illustrated rules leaflet with clear diagrams
• Storage bag with Hive Carbon branding

The Hive Carbon game pieces are crafted from high-quality, durable Bakelite—the same premium material used in professional game sets. Each tile measures a substantial 38mm (1.5 inches) across and 12mm thick, providing excellent weight and tactile feedback. The raised insect designs are easy to identify at a glance, and the thick construction ensures these pieces will last for decades of gameplay. The monochrome color scheme eliminates any color-based confusion while creating a visually striking game that’s beautiful enough to leave on display.

Why Choose Hive Carbon Over Other Editions?

Premium Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek black and white design looks sophisticated and modern—perfect for minimalist homes, contemporary offices, or anywhere refined design is appreciated.

Includes Valuable Expansions: Get the Mosquito and Ladybug pieces included (normally $15+ when purchased separately), providing enhanced gameplay from day one.

Full Standard Size: Enjoy the substantial 38mm tiles (same as classic Hive) for comfortable handling and impressive table presence—not the smaller pocket edition.

Perfect for Chess Players: The monochrome palette appeals to traditional chess players while offering fresh, innovative strategic gameplay.

Gift-Worthy Presentation: The elegant color scheme and quality components make this an impressive gift for strategy game enthusiasts, chess lovers, or anyone who appreciates thoughtful design.

Complete Experience: With 26 pieces including expansions, you’re getting the most comprehensive Hive version available.

Show-Stopping Visual: The high-contrast black versus white creates dramatic visual impact during gameplay—photos and videos of Hive Carbon look fantastic.

Design Philosophy

The Carbon edition represents a design philosophy focused on timeless elegance over colorful whimsy. While the original Hive uses bright colors to distinguish insects, Hive Carbon relies on bold contrast and clear markings. This approach appeals to adults who want sophisticated gameplay without childish aesthetics, chess players who appreciate monochrome game pieces, and anyone drawn to minimalist, contemporary design.

Who Will Love Hive Carbon?

This premium strategy game is perfect for chess enthusiasts seeking new challenges, adults who prefer sophisticated game aesthetics, minimalist design lovers, strategy game collectors, professionals who game during breaks, coffee shop strategists, gift-givers seeking impressive presents, and anyone who values both gameplay depth and visual refinement. Hive Carbon makes an exceptional gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a unique corporate gift for clients and colleagues who appreciate quality games.

Official North American Distributor – Authentic Gen42 Games Product