2025’s 14 Best Nature-Themed Board Games Reviewed
Explore nature through board games that bring breathtaking landscapes and wildlife to your table. Perfect for any nature lover.
Discover the wonder of nature through our handpicked selection of 14 mesmerizing board games. We focus on games that not only capture the essence of nature but also offer great replayability, strategic depth, and engaging mechanics. Whether you are a bird enthusiast, a plant lover, or simply a fan of beautifully crafted games, our list has something for everyone. From calming strolls through lush forests to tactical battles on verdant landscapes, these games will transport you to the heart of nature itself. So, gather your friends and family, and let’s embark on a playful journey into the world of nature!
On this list:
14 Everdell
Everdell is a delightful board game that transforms the table into a charming forest world. With its beautiful artwork and whimsical creatures, it invites players to build a thriving woodland city. We love the mixture of strategy, worker placement, and card drafting. We’ve had intense battles for resources while admiring the game’s aesthetic. Ideal for those who love both nature and strategic play.
13 Wingspan
Wingspan is a feast for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. It’s a competitive bird-collection game that introduces a wide array of bird species beautifully illustrated. We’ve gotten into debates about the rarest birds and the best strategies to attract them. It balances simplicity with strategic depth, making it great for families and serious gamers alike. Plus, you’ll feel like an ornithologist by the end!
12 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a board game that lets you grow and expand your own forest. It’s visually stunning and serves as a lesson in light management and growth. We loved planning the spread of our trees to soak up the sun while blocking others. It’s a perfect blend of simple rules and strategic depth. We often marvel at how such a peaceful theme can lead to intense competition!
11 PARKS
PARKS captures the essence of hiking through National Parks. It’s a beautiful journey with stunning artwork and immersive gameplay. As players hike along trails, collecting memories and creating experiences, we’ve found it relaxing and yet engaging. Every playthrough feels like a new adventure in nature, and it’s great for both competitive and family-oriented game nights.
10 Root
Root is a board game of woodland might and right. Each player assumes control of a unique faction with distinct abilities. We loved the asymmetric gameplay, which keeps it fresh and challenging. The woodland theme adds charm, but don’t be fooled; it’s a game of guile and strategy. We’ve had discussions days after a playthrough about the complexities and tactics used.
9 Tokaido
Tokaido is a journey along the East Sea Road, and it’s as serene as a board game can get. Players stop at various locations, experiencing the culture and views. We’ve found it a relaxing change of pace from intense games, enjoying the minimalist approach to a travel-themed adventure. The art and simplicity make it a pleasure to play, especially for those who enjoy a calm gaming tone.
8 The Fox in the Forest
The Fox in the Forest is a delightful two-player trick-taking game with a fairy-tale theme. It’s simple yet strategic, with each card offering new abilities. We’ve enjoyed the back-and-forth gameplay that requires careful planning and a bit of luck. It’s great for those who enjoy a quick, competitive game with a nature twist, and perfect for a quiet evening in.
7 Meadow
In Meadow, players take the role of observers, exploring the natural world and recording their findings. With beautiful artwork, it’s a game that combines card drafting with set collection. We’ve spent countless hours admiring the illustrations while competing to complete our journal of discoveries. It’s perfect for those who love collecting and observing nature’s beauty.
6 Takenoko
Takenoko gives players the task of caring for a giant panda and growing a bamboo garden for the Emperor of Japan. It’s a cute and colorful game that mixes tile placement and strategy. We’ve had fun managing the garden’s growth while feeding the panda, leading to some hilarious moments. It’s engaging for families and those looking to relax with a light-hearted game.
5 Cottage Garden
Cottage Garden is a peaceful puzzle game where players become gardeners, filling their plots with flowers and plants. It’s soothing and requires planning, offering a different kind of strategic experience. We’ve shared tranquil moments arranging gardens and joking about who has the greenest thumb. This board game is excellent for those who enjoy a mix of nature and puzzle elements.
4 Arboretum
Arboretum is a card game that’s all about creating the most beautiful paths through a garden of trees. It involves careful planning, as players need to manage their hand tactically. We’ve found it surprisingly strategic and cutthroat despite its serene appearance. It’s a great choice for players who enjoy a blend of calmness and competitive tension in a nature-themed setting.
3 Wingspan Asia
Wingspan Asia offers a new perspective on the beloved bird-collecting game by introducing birds of Asia. With new modes and vibrant illustrations, it keeps the Wingspan experience fresh and engaging. Players who enjoyed the original will love this expansion for its new strategies and challenges. Our group found ourselves enamored with learning about different species and their unique powers.
2 Living Forest
Living Forest combines deck-building and set collection in an enchanting world where players work as nature spirits. The game challenges you to protect the forest, and we’ve enjoyed the sense of urgency and collaboration. It offers a unique spin on nature-themed games, with each session bringing something new. Perfect for groups who enjoy strategy mixed with a touch of fantasy.
1 Cascadia
Cascadia tops our list for its elegant design and seamless integration of nature into gameplay. A tile-laying and token-drafting game, it lets players build a beautiful landscape filled with wildlife. We’ve been drawn to its strategic depth and the peaceful ambiance it creates. Each session feels like crafting a harmonious ecosystem. Its simplicity masked in strategy makes it accessible and rewarding for all players, earning its spot as the best nature-themed board game.
