The new version of Sagrada for 2026 draws further inspiration from the architectural marvel that has been under construction since March 1882. The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família - Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece - will reach completion in 2026 after nearly 150 years. The new edition of Sagrada lines up perfectly with this historic milestone.
Our first look at the Sagrada 2026 edition board game revealed its fresh visual approach. Artist Kwanchai Moriya and graphic designer Brigette Indelicato worked together to create a stunning new look. The changes also go beyond cosmetic improvements to enhance gameplay. Players now earn 3 points per die of the specified colour for private objectives. The objectives and tool cards have grown from poker size to tarot size. The game features cleaner typography and larger text that makes this edition both beautiful and more functional.
What Makes the Sagrada 2026 Edition Board Game Stand Out Visually
Image Source: BoardGameGeek
The Sagrada 2026 edition showcases a complete artistic makeover that brings the cathedral experience to life. Kwanchai Moriya took time to think over the artwork to capture "that dazzling array of colours and beams of light that one would experience standing in the cathedral". His artwork masterfully compares "the warmth of the stained glass against the cooler stonework and masonry".
Moriya's digital painting process stands out. He painted the cover in one layer - an artistic choice made in part to respond to the rise of AI-generated art. He shares, "This choice wouldn't really be noticed by anyone, I don't think, but... I wanted to see whether committing everything to a single layer and removing the crutch of infinite editability might make a better painting". This approach keeps his work's human element intact, with "little mistakes and fudges... that make the painting feel more 'human'".
The game's components mirror this detailed craftsmanship. The dice, which represent glass pieces, come in carefully selected colours that "blend with the new illustrations". The red and blue dice now have texture to set them apart from green and purple. This design choice improves the game's accessibility by a lot, especially when you have players with colour-blindness challenges.
Each visual element has been reimagined to improve both beauty and gameplay function, creating an immersive stained glass crafting experience.
