The Donut Guy Blog

Capybaras have been living rent-free in our heads lately. The zeitgeist is strong—you see them in games, posters, and funny videos. I’ve never been the type to hold strong opinions about them, but their simple cuteness is undeniable. That charm serves them well, especially as the foundation for a game.

Capybara Crush, designed by Dylan Coyle, fits right into the aesthetic of the Charming Games Collective. They’ve built a niche around irresistibly cute titles where the art pulls you in with playful characters. Meeting Dylan, I got the sense that the cuteness isn’t just marketing—it’s part of who he is and how he approaches games. They’ve leaned into it with clever packaging (stuffed animal containers!) and even standalone plushies to snuggle. Spending time with folks from Charming gave off exactly that cozy, joyful vibe.

The game itself is a card-drafting puzzle where you’re trying to build patterns and sequences for higher scores. The lore sets the stage: the river has flooded, and heroic capybaras are saving other animals by letting them ride along on their heads. River sections can swap out, giving special powers that let you rearrange your tableau, flip cards, or adjust your strategy. If you skip using those powers, they’re worth points at the end. Between drafting choices and power activation, there’s more strategy than first meets the eye. Playing with my son, we found ourselves thinking carefully about those nuances as the board took shape. He summed it up best: Capybara Crush is competitive, but it leaves you with good feelings.

One thing I appreciated this time was the rulebook. Compared to the last Charming game we played, this one had a much cleaner layout, making the interactions and setup easier to follow. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you just want to dive in and play.

Overall, I really like what Dylan and the team are doing—you can see their passion firsthand. Their games fit the family-fun vibe while quietly building skills. For me, the base game earns a solid 8 out of 10. Add in the deluxe edition with its fuzzy container, and I’d give it an extra point. Bring some capybaras to your table and try not to smile.