Hive Ladybug Expansion – The Knight of Hive

Add Aerial Assault to Your Hive Game

The Hive Ladybug Expansion introduces one of the most versatile and powerful pieces in the entire Hive board game system. Often called “The Knight of Hive” by competitive players, the Ladybug expansion brings a unique three-dimensional movement mechanic that climbs over the hive and drops into hard-to-reach positions. This offensive piece dramatically increases strategic complexity by giving players the ability to quickly reposition attacking forces, breach defensive formations, and threaten the enemy Queen Bee from unexpected angles.

Requires: Hive Standard Edition base game (sold separately)
Number of Players: 2 players
Recommended Age: 9 years and up
Average Game Time: 20 minutes
Tile Size: 38mm (1.5″) across – Full standard size matching Hive
Color: Multi-colored (gray/red Ladybug) to match standard Hive aesthetic

What Makes the Ladybug Special?

The Ladybug is the only piece in Hive that MUST climb over the top of other pieces during its movement. Unlike the Beetle, which climbs slowly one space at a time, the Ladybug moves exactly three spaces in a specific pattern: two spaces on top of the hive, then one space down to the ground level. This unique aerial movement allows the Ladybug expansion piece to bypass defensive walls, reach surrounded spaces, and attack the enemy Queen from positions other pieces cannot quickly access.

Think of the Ladybug as a faster, more mobile version of the Beetle. While a Beetle takes three or four turns to cross the hive and reach defensive positions, the Ladybug accomplishes the same journey in a single move. This speed and versatility make the Ladybug one of the most feared offensive pieces in competitive Hive gameplay.

How the Ladybug Works

Mandatory Movement Pattern: The Ladybug MUST move exactly three spaces every time it moves:

• Space 1: Climb onto an adjacent piece (on top of the hive)
• Space 2: Move across the top to another piece (still on top of the hive)
• Space 3: Climb down to an empty ground-level space adjacent to the second piece

Important Movement Rules:

• The Ladybug CANNOT move around the outside perimeter of the hive—it must climb up and over
• The Ladybug CANNOT end its movement on top of the hive—it must come back down
• The Ladybug CAN change direction during its movement, giving it flexible pathing options
• The Ladybug CAN move into surrounded spaces that other ground-level pieces cannot reach
• The Ladybug MUST complete all three spaces—it cannot move just one or two spaces

This climbing movement pattern follows the “Freedom of Movement” rule, meaning the Ladybug physically travels over pieces rather than teleporting. However, unlike ground-level pieces that can get blocked by narrow gaps, the Ladybug simply climbs over obstacles.

Strategic Applications

Offensive Uses:

• Quick Attacks: Reach the enemy Queen’s vicinity in one move instead of multiple turns
• Breach Defenses: Climb over defensive walls that block ground-level pieces like Ants and Spiders
• Surround Tactics: Drop into empty spaces around the enemy Queen that are protected from ground access
• Flank Maneuvers: Attack from unexpected angles by crossing over the hive
• Pressure Multiple Positions: The Ladybug’s flexibility lets you threaten several areas simultaneously

Defensive Uses:

• Quick Retreats: Move away from danger by climbing over blocking pieces
• Rescue Operations: Reach friendly pieces trapped in surrounded positions
• Counter-Attacks: Respond to enemy aggression by quickly repositioning to defensive spots
• Space Control: Occupy key strategic positions that ground-level pieces cannot easily access

Advanced Tactics:

• Coordinate with Beetles: Use both climbing pieces to create multi-level threats
• Grasshopper Combinations: Set up Grasshopper jump lanes by positioning the Ladybug strategically
• Queen Protection: Use the Ladybug to quickly move defensive pieces near your Queen
• Tempo Control: Force opponents to respond to Ladybug threats, controlling the game pace
• Mosquito Synergy: When the Mosquito touches a Ladybug, it can copy this powerful climbing movement

Why Add the Ladybug to Standard Hive?

Offensive Power: The Ladybug is one of the strongest attacking pieces in Hive, giving aggressive players a powerful weapon for pressuring the enemy Queen.

Strategic Depth: The unique climbing movement adds an entirely new tactical dimension—vertical space—that fundamentally changes how players approach positioning and defense.

Faster Gameplay: The Ladybug can cross the hive in one move, accelerating attacks and creating more dynamic, fast-paced games.

Versatile Positioning: The ability to change direction during movement gives the Ladybug access to more positions than almost any other piece except the Soldier Ant.

Tournament Standard: Competitive Hive players consider the Ladybug essential. It’s included in Hive Pocket, Hive Carbon, and Hive Ultimate editions by default.

Counterplay to Beetles: While Beetles move slowly on top of the hive, the Ladybug can quickly challenge their aerial dominance.

Colorful Design: Features the same vibrant, multi-colored aesthetic as your standard Hive game—integrates seamlessly with existing pieces.

Nicknamed “The Knight”: Just as the knight in chess has unique L-shaped movement that reaches unexpected positions, the Ladybug’s climbing pattern creates similar tactical surprise.

What’s in the Box

2 Premium Bakelite Hexagonal Ladybug Tiles:

• 1 White/Cream Ladybug piece with gray/red colored markings
• 1 Black Ladybug piece with gray/red colored markings

Also Includes:

• Illustrated rules leaflet with detailed Ladybug movement examples
• Clear diagrams showing the two-up, one-down climbing pattern
• Strategic tips for optimal Ladybug usage

Each Ladybug tile measures 38mm (1.5 inches) across and 12mm thick—identical to your standard Hive game pieces. The tiles are crafted from premium, durable Bakelite with raised insect designs and distinctive gray/red color-coding, ensuring they match perfectly with your existing Hive collection in both size and quality. The multi-colored design integrates seamlessly with the standard Hive’s vibrant aesthetic.

Movement Pattern Example

Here’s how a typical Ladybug move works:

1. Starting Position: Your Ladybug is on the ground level, adjacent to several pieces
2. Move 1 (Up): Climb onto an adjacent Beetle piece
3. Move 2 (Across Top): Move across the top of the hive to a Spider piece
4. Move 3 (Down): Climb down to an empty space next to the Spider—this space might be adjacent to the enemy Queen!

The Ladybug has now traveled three spaces and potentially threatens the opponent’s Queen, all in a single turn.

Who Needs the Ladybug Expansion?

This expansion piece is essential for aggressive Hive players who love offensive strategies, players seeking faster-paced games with more dynamic movement, anyone who wants tournament-level competitive options, strategic thinkers who enjoy three-dimensional tactical planning, Hive enthusiasts building a complete expansion collection, and players who have mastered basic Hive and want advanced pieces. If you find standard Hive pieces too slow or defensive, the Ladybug expansion transforms gameplay with speed and offensive power.

Recommended Purchase Order: Most experienced players suggest buying expansions in this order: 1) Ladybug (adds mobility and offense), 2) Mosquito (adds versatility), 3) Pillbug (adds defense). The Ladybug is often considered the most impactful first expansion purchase.

Official North American Distributor – Authentic Gen42 Games Product
Note: Requires Hive Standard Edition base game. Not compatible with Hive Pocket or Hive Carbon (those editions include the Ladybug in the base game).