12 Best Environmental Board Games Reviewed in 2025
Want to save the world while having fun? Here's our top environmental board games that are both exciting and educational.
Ready to have a blast and save the planet at the same time? We’ve picked the 12 top environmental board games that pack fun with a punch of eco-consciousness! When choosing these games, we focused on their ability to entertain while teaching us about Earth’s precious ecosystems. Whether you’re into building cities, conserving wildlife, or managing resources, these games have got you covered. Gather your crew and get ready to dive into worlds where your choices help shape the future of our environment. Let’s turn game night into a night where we learn to love our planet a bit more.
On this list:
12 Wingspan
Wingspan is a delightful card-driven game where you act as bird enthusiasts, trying to attract the best birds to your wildlife preserves. The game’s serene atmosphere and beautiful artwork make it a joy to play. It’s educational too, as players learn about different bird species and their habitats. We love how it balances competition and serenity, making it accessible for family and friends looking for an engaging environmental experience.
11 Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, players are tasked with turning the Red Planet into a habitable environment. It’s like playing SimCity on an alien landscape, only with more cards and less zoning laws. The game is intense, requiring strategic planning and collaboration to succeed. We love how it combines science with gameplay, offering a challenging experience that feels rewarding when you see those green tiles popping up across the board.
10 Ecos: First Continent
Ecos: First Continent lets players shape the world around them, weaving continents and ecosystems from scratch. This game showcases the delicate balance of nature, with elements adapting and changing as you play. It’s great for those who enjoy strategic thinking, but its randomness with card draws keeps it accessible for casual gamers too. We enjoy how it turns the abstract concept of ecosystem management into a fun and educational journey.
9 CO2: Second Chance
CO2: Second Chance challenges players to fight climate change by developing clean energy projects. It not only entertains but also raises awareness about real-world issues. The cooperative and competitive modes offer replayability, though the latter is where it truly shines. We were genuinely surprised by how much strategy is required, making every game feel fresh as you scramble to save the planet from impending doom.
8 Green Deal
Green Deal puts you in the shoes of an eco-conscious CEO, navigating the tricky waters of corporate responsibility and sustainability. Our gaming group appreciated its focus on economic and environmental decisions, each one impacting your path to victory. Balancing profit with planet-saving initiatives isn’t easy, and that’s what keeps us coming back for more. The game is as educational as it is competitive, making it a solid choice for eco-minded players.
7 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is all about growing trees in a forest, where sunlight is your competition’s biggest enemy. It’s simple to learn, yet rich in strategy, as positioning is key to capture those precious rays. We find it fascinating how this game turns sunlight into both a resource and a challenge. Its vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay make it a hit for families and nature lovers alike.
6 Energy Empire
In Energy Empire, players manage a national economy while balancing environmental impacts. This dice-as-workers game is packed with decision-making moments, offering a unique twist on resource management. We enjoyed how it captures the delicate balance of building an empire while maintaining sustainability. Energy Empire’s combination of economic strategy with environmental awareness makes it a standout choice for those who love a good think with their games.
5 Underwater Cities
Underwater Cities tasks players with building a new homeland beneath the waves, using cards and resources to expand their oceanic empire. Its intricate card system and engine-building mechanics provide layers of depth that keep us hooked. We enjoy how it combines city-building with environmental themes, where you must consider the impact of your actions on the marine ecosystem. It’s a challenging, rewarding dive into sustainable development.
4 Gaia Project
Gaia Project is an epic game of planetary colonization with a strong environmental focus. While it shares DNA with the classic Terra Mystica, it stands on its own with complex strategy and unique tech trees. We love how you must adapt your civilization to different planets while maintaining ecological balance. The game’s depth and variability ensure countless hours of strategic joy, perfect for those who crave multi-layered experiences.
3 Power Grid
Power Grid blends economics and environmental strategy, requiring players to build their own power networks. We appreciated its precise blend of auction, resource management, and networking. It keeps everyone engaged, as each planning phase matters. The game’s focus on efficient energy use aligns with its environmental theme, reminding us that careful planning and foresight are essential to success. It’s a wonderful blend of strategy and theme.
2 Endangered
Endangered is a cooperative game where players fight to save species on the brink of extinction. It encourages teamwork and strategic thinking, challenging players to balance resources and campaign for conservation. We found its engaging narrative and intriguing mechanics very rewarding, as successes feel hard-earned. Its ever-changing game state means no playthrough is the same, making it perfect for gamers who enjoy unpredictability in a cooperative setting.
1 Ark Nova
Ark Nova earns its spot as top dog by seamlessly integrating environmental themes with thrilling gameplay. Players design modern zoos, balancing conservation projects with entertainment and education. This game stands out with its deep strategy and high replayability, leaving us constantly wanting more. The blend of card drafting and tile placement keeps us strategizing long after the game ends, solidifying Ark Nova as a staple in any collection.
