Best nature-themed board games: Parks, Cascadia, and more

“Go take a walk.”

How many times did that awful phrase turn us off from our favorite sports when we were little? Even though we may have gone out, our mind was still thinking about that next turn. But over the past decade, tabletop developers everywhere have come to the aid of indoor kids. Games with great strategy and replay value have hit the market to bring the outdoors in.

Our tabletop is now acting as a portal to the outside. The following titles bring to life the strategy and complexity of nature, so what are you waiting for? We’ve rounded up games that let you experience the great outdoors without the bugs or sunburns.

parks

Some games go beyond the box to let us explore the outside world. parks Lets players climb different trails, set up camp, and make memories in nature. Players use mountaineering experience to achieve their goal of visiting national parks. As the game progresses, the seasons shift and the trails get longer. Players learn to spend and manage resources to continue the adventure. In short, parks Helps us to explore the wonders of nature and the joys of hiking from home.

wingspan

Some titles help us celebrate the different types of animals found in nature. wingspan The diversity of bird species and the impacts on their habitats are highlighted. Players have the chance to discover and attract over 170 different birds during the course of the game, and over time, they learn which species benefit their wildlife the most. With this knowledge, players collect and breed the best birds to score the most points. play wingspan To experience the wonder of nature and see how different species can be.

cascadia

But how do the animals and plants we see interact with each other? cascadia Teaches players the intricacies of real-world habitats, using the Pacific Northwest as a backdrop. Players combine wildlife tokens and terrain to create habitats. The more terrain they match, the larger the habitat becomes. Each animal has its own needs, so balancing the ecosystem is essential for victory. cascadia Helps us appreciate the complex relationships in nature without ever leaving the table.

Route: A Game of Woodland Might and Right

Nature is constantly at war; Struggle for life, resources and territory is going on behind the scenes all the time. Root Brings these battles to life on our tabletops. Players all vie for control of the jungle, but each has a different approach. They use unique powers to build the perfect habitat and complete their win condition. Who will survive? Only time and evolving strategy will tell. Root Gives us a look at the everyday ferocity of nature and the interactions we would never otherwise see.

Photosynthesis

When we look closely, we can see that plants are also fighting for existence in nature. Photosynthesis Shows how growing with limited resources can be difficult. In the jungle of the competition, players fight for sunshine. But, like in nature, conditions do not remain the same for long. The sun moves around the forest, and players must adapt to grow and thrive. Even plants don’t fight fair, so strategy is important for survival and slowing down competition. Photosynthesis Brings plants’ often forgotten struggles for resources straight to our tabletops.