Another obscure bird-themed board game for you to try, in flies Wingspan by Stonemaier Games with a fantastic look into bird species and confusingly complex rules.
Seriously, this game takes multiple read throughs of its rather hefty instruction booklet to truly understand, but once you get it you’re good to go. Just play through it a few times and it will start to make sense.
In Wingspan, players take on the role of bird enthusiasts trying to attract various species to their wildlife preserves. The game is for 1 to 5 players and lasts around 40-70 minutes, making it a great option for both quick sessions and longer, more strategic play.
The goal is to build the best bird sanctuary by collecting food, laying eggs, and playing birds into different habitats. Each bird has specific requirements and abilities, and part of the fun is figuring out the optimal way to manage your resources and maximize your points.
The game is played over four rounds, each with its own set of goals. Players have to carefully balance their actions, since each round offers different bonuses based on the birds they play, the eggs they lay, and the food they collect. Sounds complicated? It is, but stay with me.
The true beauty of Wingspan lies in how the game’s complexity grows as you explore its many layers. What sets it apart from other board games is how it integrates environmental themes like wildlife sanctuary maintenance with mechanics that require serious thought. Make sure the people you play with know what they’re doing, as each bird has its own set of needs and abilities.
As a player, you’re not just focusing on building up your sanctuary, you’re also learning about real bird species. The game features over 170 beautifully illustrated birds, each with a bit of educational information about them.
This neat combination of gameplay and genuine information about birds creates a unique experience where you gain just a bit more than a fun game night from playing.
Overall, Wingspan is a fantastic game (once you know how to play) that combines strategy, great graphics, and education. Whether you’re a bird lover or just someone who enjoys a solid strategy game, a little birdie told me that Wingspan is definitely worth checking out.