15 Best Environmental Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
15 Best Environmental Board Games: Our Top Picks
On this list:
15 Wingspan
Wingspan combines bird watching and eco-conservation into an engaging strategy game. We loved how it taught us about different birds and their habitats. Each turn feels like a lesson in environmental science, and the artwork is beautiful. The game mechanics are smooth and the theme is super immersive. Plus, who doesn’t love drawing cards that feature fun bird facts?
14 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis has you literally growing trees on the board! You compete to grow the tallest trees while casting shadows on your opponents. It’s almost like gardening, but without the dirt. It’s a great mix of strategy and environmental education; the game cleverly shows the cycle of life in a forest.
13 Oceans
Oceans dives deep into the underwater world, putting you in control of a species trying to evolve and survive. The game’s environmental theme is not just skin deep; it’s all about adaptation in different marine environments. We had a blast evolving our fish while learning about marine biology.
12 Cascadia
Cascadia has you building ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Each turn, you place tiles to create habitats for different animals. The game is both relaxing and challenging, offering a great way to learn about the synergy between different species and their environments.
11 Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, you work to make Mars habitable by managing resources and balancing environmental changes. We had a great time strategizing how to best use our resources, and the game offers a deep and engaging experience. It’s a fantastic way to explore the impact of environmental engineering.
10 PARKS
PARKS takes you on a hiking trail through various national parks. The game is filled with beautiful artwork and insightful trivia about nature. It’s both a relaxing and competitive game, perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to learn more about America’s national parks.
9 Evolution
Evolution places you in charge of developing species to adapt to their environment. The game is all about balancing growth and survival, with each playthrough offering new challenges. It’s a fantastic way to understand natural selection and the impact of environmental changes on species.
8 CO2: Second Chance
CO2: Second Chance makes you a company trying to balance economic growth with reducing carbon emissions. We were captivated by the challenge of managing resources while promoting sustainable energy. It’s a great game for anyone interested in environmental policy and economics.
7 Planet
Planet gives you a 3D planet that you have to populate with different biomes. It’s like environmental Tetris! We loved the tactile feel of building our little worlds and the strategy involved in placing the tiles. It’s simple yet deeply engaging.
6 Endangered
In Endangered, you work to save species from extinction by managing habitats and influencing politicians. The cooperative aspect made it a hit during our game night. It’s both educational and engaging, showing the complexities of conservation work.
5 Garbage Day
Garbage Day is a fun, quick game about managing household waste. It’s a light-hearted way to get people talking about recycling and waste management. We found it hilarious and educational, perfect for a quick play session.
4 Fauna
Fauna is a trivia game based on guessing facts about animals. It’s a fantastic way to learn about wildlife while enjoying a game night. The game’s educational value and competitive fun made it a hit with our group.
3 Evergreen
Evergreen lets you create your own forest ecosystem. The game is simple yet strategic, focusing on placing different types of trees and plants. We loved the peaceful gameplay and the beautiful art. It’s a great way to unwind and appreciate nature.
2 The Pollinators
The Pollinators is all about helping bees and other pollinators thrive. The game mechanics are unique and highlight the importance of these creatures in our ecosystem. We had a blast while also learning a lot about environmental science.
1 Wingspan: Oceania Expansion
As the best one, Wingspan: Oceania Expansion not only adds new bird species but also enriches the gameplay with new environmental elements. We were thrilled with the new strategies and beautiful artwork. It’s a perfect mix of fun and education, making it our top pick for its compelling environment focus.
