If you’re a fan of Squishmallows or classic board games, chances are you’ve heard about the wildly popular Squishmallows Monopoly game that launched recently. This cute and cuddly twist on the iconic Monopoly game has taken the toy world by storm!
As a fellow Squishmallows collector and game night enthusiast, I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of Squishmallows Monopoly to play with friends. After many rounds of fun gameplay, I wanted to share an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about this must-have board game!
Below I’ll cover:
- What is Squishmallows Monopoly
- Gameboard and components overview
- How to play Squishmallows Monopoly
- Special edition versions
- Collectible items
- Popular game tokens
- Pro tips and strategy guide
- FAQ section
- And more!
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Squishmallows Monopoly!
What Is Squishmallows Monopoly?
Squishmallows Monopoly is a 2020 board game collaboration between toy maker Hasbro and plush company Kellytoy to bring two iconic brands together.
It combines the classic property-buying, rent-collecting gameplay of Monopoly with the incredibly popular character-based Squishmallows plush toys that have taken over as must-have cuddly companions!
Instead of traditional Monopoly game pieces, players get to choose from an assortment of cute Squishmallows characters in animal or food designs to move around the board.
The board itself features a bright and cheerful island-themed design with spaces styled like tropical locations. And rather than streets or railroads, players acquire adorable Squishmallows friends to build their collection empire!
There’s also special gameplay elements that encourage sharing and hugging Squishmallows instead of aggressive takeovers, bringing cooperative fun to this iconic family board game.
Squishmallows Monopoly first launched in July 2020 in the USA and immediately drew buzz and attention in the toy world. It offered a unique crossover twist combining a classic board game with one of the most popular new toy brands.
The initial press runs quickly started selling out across major national retailers within the first few weeks. Strong demand has kept stocks intermittent since then when new shipments arrive in stores or online.
Let’s explore what exactly sets this game apart in more detail!
Squishmallows Monopoly Game Board and Components
The official Squishmallows Monopoly game box contains:
- Custom island-themed gameboard
- 22 collectible metal Squishmallows token game pieces
- 28 Title Deed cards
- 16 Chance cards
- Squishmallows money pack
- 6 collectible player pieces
- 2 dice
The high quality game materials immediately stand out when opening the box. The tokens have textured finishes with each Squishmallows friend’s cute face etched with amazing detail.
Vibrant Game Board Design
The game board frames the star of the show – an assortment of lovable Squishmallows buddies!
Rather than properties or streets, spaces feature island locations like:
- Palm Tree Paradise
- Seashell Beach
- Tiki Treehouse
- Pineapple Patch
- And more!
These follow the classic board layout with properties in color groups players aim to collect. The decorations and backdrops evoke a delightful tropical theme perfect for the plushy play.
Custom Squishmallows Tokens
Instead of old-fashioned metal pieces, players get to choose special Squishmallows character tokens created just for this edition!
These detailed engraved metal coins allow you to explore the board as your favorite Squishmallows friend. Most feature fan-favorites like:
- Adorable unicorn
- Cheeky octopus
- Sweet corgi
- Friendly whale
- Playful penguin
And much more! Their unique abilities introduce fun strategic gameplay elements as well.
Special Rules and Accessories
What sets Squishmallows Monopoly apart are the special gameplay tweaks fitting the cuddly theme. For example:
- Hugging rent – Instead of paying rent, players can have their token hug opponents’ pieces to earn rewards!
- Chance sharing cards – Random card prompts encourage gifting Squishmallows buddies rather than takeovers.
- Collectible player pieces and money – Themed artwork elements celebrate the Squishmallows brand.
Overall these additions help craft a friendlier gameplay atmosphere perfect for Squishmallows fans. It allows for more player interaction and fun moments than traditional Monopoly!
Next let’s walk through exactly how a game round plays out.
How to Play Squishmallows Monopoly
The goal of Squishmallows Monopoly matches classic Monopoly – bankrupt opponents by strategically acquiring properties and collecting rent to amass wealth.
However, the special game mechanics fitting the cute plushy theme sets it apart from being just a quick re-skin.
Gameplay unfolds in familiar phases:
1. Set up – Each player chooses a fun custom token. Shuffle and deal Title Deed cards face down. Pick banker and give starting paper money packs.
2. Take turns – Roll dice, move token accordingly and take actions like:
- Buy available properties to add to your collection. Name your properties after your Squishmallows friends for fun customization!
- Instead of paying rent, land on owned spaces to give cute hugs! Reap sweet rewards like bonus money.
- Draw Chance cards prompting delightfully friendly activities like gifting Squishmallows tokens.
- Use your character’s special ability for strategic advantages!
3. Win conditions – Same as classic Monopoly – be the last player standing with money and properties by carefully trading, budgeting, and wheeling and dealing your way to victory!
The gameplay keeps that satisfying strategic element of trying to outsmart opponents through property trades and transactions. But the playful Squishmallows theme incentivizes more collaborative hustling!
Now let’s see the various versions available for extra novelty.
Squishmallows Monopoly Editions
Due to its runaway popularity, several awesome special Squishmallows Monopoly editions have released offering collectors more fun.
Classic Edition
This version features the iconic cast of general Squishmallows buddies – happy colorful unicorns, cheeky octopi, lovable corgis and more! Great for classic fans.
Junior Edition
This simplified edition reduces gameplay length and complexity for a younger demographic. It uses an abridged board plus the rules tone down some advanced elements.
Animals Edition
This animal-themed variant features Squishmallows dressed up in different beastly costumes like lions, tigers, bears and more! Great for wildlife lovers.
Space Edition
Blast off into galactic fun with this interstellar edition featuring Squishmallows dressed up as cute astronauts, aliens, rockets ships and more! Perfect for space enthusiasts.
And additional niche editions like Gamer Edition or Holiday Edition feature designs tailored exactly for those specific fan interests!
Part of Squishmallows Monopoly’s allure also comes from the many collectible releases and specialty branded items.
Squishmallows Monopoly Collectibles
Beyond just the board game itself, a whole realm of exciting rare Squishmallows Monopoly collectibles exists that fans love tracking down!
These limited edition specialty items are usually only available in certain retailer exclusives or special promotional events.
Some of the most in-demand collectibles for diehard completionist collectors include:
- Regional exclusive editions with specialty token characters
- Limited run custom metal engraved money tokens
- Special box sets with plushie Squishmallows game pieces or plushes
- Custom embroidered player piece bags
- Super rare chance cards or Title Deeds
The hunt trying to complete the set of collectibles keeps the hobby super engaging for collectors even beyond the board game itself.
Competition can be intense though as stocks sell out instantly online or in-stores with no notice. Joining online Squishmallows communities helps collectors share sighting tips and merchant restock alerts.
Now let’s highlight some of the most popular characters players love choosing as their token.
Top Squishmallows Monopoly Characters
While there are almost 40 whimsical Squishmallows characters featured across various editions, some of the fan-favorite tokens players love to use thanks to their strategic perks include:
Fifi – The Poodle
This prim pup lets you gain extra rewards from hugging rent thanks to her charming charisma! Use Fifi’s popularity to schmooze more cash or properties.
Olga – The Octopus
Olga’s sneaky tentacles can stealthily steal properties from anyone who lands on her spaces!
Clara – The Cow
Clara’s “Free Grazing Fee” ability lets her skip paying any landed on purchase fees – quite the cash saver!
Elina – The Hedgehog
Prickly Elina uses her defensive curl ability to avoid paying any luxury or special fees on the board.
Tips and Tricks For Squishmallows Monopoly
While chance always plays a role, using advanced strategies can greatly boost your odds of winning.
Here are some pro gamer tips for navigating the cuddly capitalist world of Squishmallows Monopoly:
Corner the Squishmallow market – Acquire whole property sets in cheaper side lanes for lower rent investment rather than expensive main drags. That diversity keeps cash reserves padded while hampering opponents at multiple points.
Focus your collection – Avoid wasting money on every cute Squishmallow you land on – cherry pick valuable sets or characters that boost abilities. Keep building up those areas rather than diluting funds.
Leverage location – Certain spaces like Shimmer Beach or Sparkle Cove draw more player traffic. Pair housing there with custom abilities boosting hug payouts for frequent windfalls.
Wheel and deal – The friendship nature of the game means others may offer strategic property trades or deals benefiting both sides. Don’t cling on to pieces out of sentimentality if swapping strengthens your position.
Fortify finances – Make sure to keep a good buffer in your cash reserves through occasional underdevelopment rather than overextend with too many liability properties draining upkeep fees. Pay attention to red line and adjust accordingly.
Follow those expert strategies combining economic theory and cuddly capital operation for the best odds of crowning yourself the ultimate Squishmallow tycoon!
Now let’s wrap up with some common questions fans had.
Squishmallows Monopoly FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Squishmallows Monopoly:
Q: How old do you need to be play Squishmallows Monopoly?
A: Officially the game is recommended for ages 8+ and above. However, children younger can also enjoy with some guidance. A Junior Edition also exists for ages 5+ with easier rules.
Q: Can 3 people play Squishmallows Monopoly?
A: Yes, the game runs great for 3 player boards making gameplay tighter. Simply adjust starting cash amounts accordingly. Exclude one token set during piece selection.
Q: How do you customize names on properties and Title Deed cards?
A: Use dry erase marker to write your custom Squishmallow names over the printed property location names for added personalization. Wipe away after with damp cloth easily.
Q: Where can you buy limited edition or special Squishmallows Monopoly editions?
*A: * These rare versions are only available at certain major national retailers like Walmart, Target or Amazon during special promotional waves while supplies last. Production is usually quite limited.
Q: What tokens are rare or exclusive to some Monopoly editions?
A: Regional release primary tokens are very rare. Certain special editions also have exclusive one-off tokens like the astronaut whale or turkey based on seasonal themes. These don’t appear in mainline editions.
I hope this guide covers everything you need to have a blast with your next Squishmallows Monopoly game night! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions.
Now go have some strategic cuddle capitalist fun! Just try not to wipe out your friends too harshly if you end up a rental estate mogul!
Key Takeaways on Squishmallows Monopoly
- Squishmallows Monopoly incorporates the popular plushie brand into classic Monopoly gameplay with an island-themed landscape
- Instead of properties or streets, players acquire special edition Squishmallows character tokens
- Special sharing gameplay mechanics add cooperative, friendly fun fitting the cute theme
- Multiple editions like Animal Edition or Space Edition offer collectors more novelty
- Rare exclusives like custom money packs or plushie pieces make completing a set challenging
- Use strategic abilities of certain tokens like Fifi the Poodle for economic advantages
- Key tactics involve mortgage balancing rather than overextending tokens
- Special rule tweaks ultimately craft a less cutthroat gamenight for fans
So round up your Squishmallows buddies and get ready for some strategic, cooperative token collecting fun on the next game night!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the money work in Squishmallows Monopoly?
A: The paper Monopoly money included uses specially designed artwork and comes in normal $1, $5, $10, $20, and $100 bills. Total cash management rules play like classic Monopoly.
Q: Can 2 people play Squishmallows Monopoly?
A: Yes! A 2 player game flows quickly. Simply remove tokens until reaching 22 total available. Adjust starting cash amounts to $1,500 each rather than $1,500 / $1,000 split.
Q: What age range is the Junior version of Squishmallows Monopoly aimed at?
A: The Jr. Edition positions itself for kids approximately ages 5-8. The rules are abridged, board smaller, and gameplay length reduced to maintain interest and simplicity.
Q: What tokens are the most rare in Squishmallows Monopoly editions?
A: Generally regional exclusives only released in certain countries or seasonal special promotional tokens not available in core editions tend to become highly coveted over time.
Q: Where does Hasbro announce release info or dates for new editions?
A: Follow the official Monopoly brand accounts on social media like Instagram or Twitter and turn on notifications. Special hashtag campaigns also provide launch updates. Info hits there before wider public listings.
I hope those FAQs provide even more helpful info about enjoying Squishmallows Monopoly to its fullest! Please reach out if any other questions pop up!