Reviews
HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, box front
HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, island board with tiles and explorers
HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, treasure and explorer pieces
HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, four player boards
HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game

Images: HABA

Researched

HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game

A tile-laying race to build jungle paths and lead four explorers to their temples.

$39.99 at HABA · Price checked Oct 6

Check price at HABA

Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer

Our verdict

Karuba is a HABA family strategy game for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, listed at $39.99. Every player builds a jungle on their own island board from the same tile draws, racing to guide four explorers to matching temples and collect crystals and gold on the way. Games run 30 to 40 minutes, and it was nominated for the 2016 Spiel des Jahres.

On HABA USA it averages 4.45 from 20 reviews. Families say it is easy to learn after a round or two, has good replay value, and that older kids and teens enjoy the planning. Several reviewers mention setup time, one found the rules too hard to follow, and one called it more fun for older kids than little ones.

It suits families with kids 8 and up who like puzzles and planning. Skip it if your group wants a fast, chatty party game; Karuba is quiet and everyone plays at once on their own board.

Key details

  • Ages 8+
  • Games & puzzles
  • HABA
  • Available

More info

  • Item number: 300932
  • Players: 2–4
  • Play time: 30–40 minutes
  • Age: 8+
  • Includes: 4 islands, 144 jungle tiles, 16 explorers
  • Made in: Germany
  • Price: $39.99
Best for and who should skip it

Best for

  • Families with kids aged 8 and up
  • Players who like puzzles and planning more than luck
  • Groups of 2 to 4 who want a 30 to 40 minute game

Skip it if

  • Your group wants a loud party game
  • Your kids are under 8 and new to rule-heavy games
What we like and what to keep in mind

What we like

  • Everyone plays at the same time, so little waiting
  • Owners praise its replay value
  • Spiel des Jahres 2016 nominee, per HABA

Keep in mind

  • Several owners mention setup time
  • One family found the rules too complicated
  • Supports 2 to 4 players only
How we reviewed it

Researched, not hands-on tested. This review is based on the sources listed below. We have not tested this product ourselves. Check the current product listing and packaging before buying.

Based on the maker's specifications and public owner reviews, checked Oct 6, 2026.

HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, box front

HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game

Researched · Ages 8+

$39.99

Links go to the retailer

Check price at HABA

HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game

$39.99 · Links go to the retailer

Check price

What owners say.

  • 1 positive
  • 1 negative

Paraphrased from public owner reviews. Each one links to where it was posted.

Positive
Calls it a family game with a good balance of length and fun. Setup takes a little while and the rules need a game or two to sink in, then a round takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
HABA USA owner reviewJun 12, 2023
Negative
Was excited for family game night but found the instructions hard to follow, with too many steps to remember, which took the fun out of it.
HABA USA owner reviewApr 10, 2023

Sources.

What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.

  1. 01 HABA USA. Karuba - Tile Laying Puzzle Game habausa.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026
  2. 02 HABA USA. Karuba instructions (PDF) cdn.shopify.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026
  3. 03 HABA USA. Karuba customer reviews habausa.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026

How it compares.

This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.

Detail HABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game, box front This reviewHABA Karuba Tile Laying Puzzle Game HABA The Key: Escape from Strongwall Prison, box front HABA The Key: Escape from Strongwall Prison Five Crowns Card Game, box front Five Crowns Card Game
Price$39.99$29.99$13.99
Maker’s ageAges 8+Ages 12+Ages 8+
CategoryGames & puzzlesGames & puzzlesGames & puzzles
Good forFamilies with kids 8+ who like planning aheadTeens 12+ who like mysteries and deductionFamilies with kids 8+ who like card games
StockAvailableAvailableAvailable

Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.

If this isn’t quite right.

HABA The Key: Escape from Strongwall Prison

HABA The Key: Escape from Strongwall Prison

A deduction game for ages 12+

See review
Five Crowns Card Game

Five Crowns Card Game

A cheaper card game for ages 8+

See review

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