Quick answer

Tides is a relaxing solo wallet game about beachcombing where you score points by collecting sets of items. It's ideal if you want a quiet, meditative 15-minute game with simple rules and high replayability. If you prefer a narrative-driven solo experience with a memory challenge, consider Fishing Lessons instead.

What makes Tides different from other wallet games?

Tides is a solo-only game about collecting items from a beach. The goal is to score as many points as you can by making the most interesting sets of items. Unlike competitive wallet games such as Battlecrest, Tides has no opponent and no combat—it's purely a puzzle of set collection and timing.

The game uses a small deck of cards that fit in a vinyl wallet, so it's easy to take anywhere. Setup takes about a minute, and a typical game lasts 15 minutes. The rules are printed on a single card, making it a great choice for beginners or for playing during a lunch break.

Who should buy Tides?

Tides works well for players who enjoy calm, thematic solo games. The beachcombing theme is gentle and relaxing—you're picking up driftwood, sea glass, and shells to create sets. If you like games where the challenge comes from optimizing your choices rather than reacting to an opponent, Tides is a strong fit.

On the other hand, if you want a solo game with a story and emotional depth, Fishing Lessons might suit you better. In Fishing Lessons, you play a family member remembering a loved one through fishing memories. It adds a narrative layer and a memory-based puzzle that Tides doesn't offer.

Decision rules for choosing Tides

  • Play time preference: Tides plays in about 15 minutes. Fishing Lessons also plays quickly but requires more mental focus due to memory elements. If you want a quick, low-focus game, choose Tides.
  • Theme preference: Tides has a calm beachcombing theme. Fishing Lessons has a nostalgic, emotional fishing trip theme. Pick the theme that appeals more—both are relaxing but in different ways.
  • Replay value: Tides offers high replayability because the beach items appear in random order and you can try different set strategies. Fishing Lessons has a fixed set of memories but the order changes. Both have good replay value, but Tides feels more varied per session.

Product facts at a glance

  • Tides: Tides is a game about collecting items from a beach. The goal is to score as many points as you can by making the most interesting sets of items. The core mechanic is set collection with a spatial puzzle—you need to plan which items to keep and which to release with the tide. This gives each game a unique puzzle feel.
  • Fishing Lessons: In Fishing Lessons you play a member of his family going out on a solo fishing trip. With a specific sporting goal in mind, you’ll recall lessons and memories from Leland. Fishing Lessons adds a memory and narrative layer that Tides lacks. If you prefer story-driven solo play, this is a better choice despite the similar price and format.

Which game fits you?

Best for

  • Solo players who want a calm, meditative game with no opponent
  • Players who enjoy set collection puzzles and optimizing their choices

Not for

  • Players who want a narrative-driven solo experience with a story
  • Players who prefer competitive or cooperative multiplayer games