Stem & Branch

What is Stem & Branch

Stem & Branch (Thiên Can Địa Chi) is an approachable & fast playing strategy card game inspired by the animals and elements of the 60-year Eastern zodiac calendar. It was lovingly crafted for families and gamers alike in hopes of creating a rewarding and fun way to enjoy the depth of the Eastern zodiac.

You and the other players will compete or cooperate on a shared tableau to rebuild the calendar from beginning to end. By utilizing the elements and supporting the animals, players gain years throughout the game. Spend your time wisely as the player who contributes the most years will win.

Game Summary

The Stem and Branch cycle is represented in the 60-card deck, with each card symbolizing a year guided by a Spirit Animal and one of the Five Elements. As an Immortal, your sacred task is to nurture the Tree of Time by summoning and ascending the Spirit Animals from the Stream of Time and recording their progress in the Scroll of Time.

Game details

Players

1–4

Age

+8

Duration

30 min

Difficulty

Light

Type

Board game

Year

2026

Mechanics

Multi-Use Cards · Open Drafting · Cooperative Game

Categories

Animals · Card Game · Educational

Designer

Michael Orion

Publisher

Rolling Wizards Studio