Perch: I played with my opponents’ birds (and it was awesome)

You know that moment when you discover a game that completely upends everything you thought you knew? That’s exactly what happened to me with Perch. At first glance, it looks like just another territory-control game with cute birds. Then you read a line in the rules: “You can place your opponents’ birds.” And your brain does a little glitch.

Wait, what? Playing with other players’ pieces? In a territory-control game? It’s like being told you can move your opponent’s chess pieces. It shouldn’t work—but it does...

First Game: When Everything Mixes Together

My first game of Perch was an organized chaos. Imagine you have four birds in front of you: two of your color and two from other players drawn from the bag. You look at the board scattered with little “location” cards and wonder where to place all of them.

The most unsettling part? Some spots give more points if you finish second or third than if you're first. It’s like a race where silver or bronze pays better than gold. Your player instinct yells, “DOMINATED EVERYWHERE!” but the rules whisper, “Not so fast, my friend.”

I started cautiously, placing my own birds where I thought they’d be safe. Big mistake. My opponent immediately stacked their birds on mine, bumping me to second place…and tripling my points in that region. That’s when I realized I was onto something special.

The “Eureka” Moment: Manipulate Without Being Obvious

The beauty of Perch reveals itself when you realize placing an opponent’s bird isn’t a chore—it’s a weapon. Want to finish second somewhere? Stack opponents’ birds so they stay first. Want to force a tie so nobody scores? A well-placed small bird, and everyone cries.

That’s where the game gets deliciously twisted. Every placement becomes a message. When Sarah places my red bird next to the fountain, is she doing me a favor or setting me up for a nasty follow-up? Hard to tell—and that’s exactly what makes it addictive.

Plus, the creatures add another layer of mischief. These little critters can push birds to other spots or send them straight to the fountain. Controlling a creature is like holding a wildcard—but you first need to dominate the right location. And guess what? Your opponents won’t make it easy.

When It Gets Sticky: Board Chaos

Here’s what really bothered me about Perch: that constant feeling of having the rug pulled out from under you. Imagine spending five minutes crafting the perfect plan. You envision where to place your birds, calculate points, anticipate ties... Then BAM! The next player places one of your birds right where you didn't want it, wrecking your strategy instantly.

That hectic chaos is what makes Perch so frustrating. You never truly control your fate. A brilliant move can be wiped out by someone else using your own pieces against you. This constant unpredictability turns every game into an emotional roller coaster where anticipation becomes almost impossible.

Worst is when other players naturally gang up on you. No plan, just the inevitable. You take the lead? Suddenly everyone places your birds in crummy spots. You’re aiming for juicy second place? Surprise—your birds get stacked in first, earning laughable points. That spiral of frustration can snap a thoughtful player into a ball of nerves.

Unlike Wingspan, where actions follow one another logically, or Azul, where each tile brings you closer to your goal, Perch keeps you in perpetual uncertainty. You plan, but the board changes constantly. You adapt, but others sabotage. It’s mentally exhausting and emotionally draining.

Who’s It For? Know What to Expect

Perch is perfect for players who love unpredictability and don’t fear controlled chaos. If you enjoy when a plan collapses because it opens new possibilities, you’ll love it. The game demands constant adaptability and the ability to bounce back from sneaky moves.

On the flip side, steer clear if you love being in control of your game. Players who prefer building their strategy calmly will suffer. Perch can spark moments of tension and rising frustration, especially when you're repeatedly countered. It’s the kind of game that can devolve into vendettas if players are sensitive.

Perfectionists and control freaks might hate the experience. When your plans are constantly crushed by opponents placing your pieces, bitterness can build fast. Families or groups seeking a relaxed vibe would do better with something less… chaotic.

Field Verdict

What works brilliantly: The opponent-bird-placement innovation revolutionizes area control. Gone is “me vs. you,” replaced by “us vs. ourselves—but more complicated.” The psychological interactions create a delightful tension where every move becomes a message.

The variety of locations and creatures ensures solid replayability. Each game offers a different puzzle, and it takes several sessions to grasp all the subtleties. The tie-breaker rules that wipe out points add a unique strategic layer.

What falters a bit: The bird theme feels purely decorative. You could replace the avians with robots or cheese, and the gameplay stays the same. For a game leaning on natural aesthetics, that’s a shame.

The learning curve can be off-putting. You really need to stick with it to get past the confusing first games. And even then, the game demands ongoing mental effort that can be tiring over time.

Field Notes

• Mechanics: 8/10 – Innovative and solid, but sometimes heavy to digest

• Interactions: 9/10 – Opponent-bird placement creates a one-of-a-kind dynamic

• Components: 7/10 – Pretty, functional, but not outstanding

• Rules: 8/10 – Clear but dense, with a few gray areas

• Fun: 7/10 – Intellectually stimulating, emotionally complex

Perch absolutely earns its spot in the collection of a strategic gamer. It’s the kind of title you bring out when you want to puzzle through clever interactions with fellow aficionados—not necessarily the most fun of the year, but certainly one of the smartest.

If you enjoy mechanics that break the mold and you don’t mind sweating your brain, go for it. Otherwise, plenty of other birds await in other aviaries.