12 Best Wilderness Survival Board Games of 2025
Explore wilderness survival board games that challenge you to outsmart nature, from Robinson Crusoe's islands to Spirit Island's spirits.
If you’ve ever imagined yourself tackling the great outdoors with nothing but your wits and maybe a little luck, our list of the 12 best wilderness survival board games should pique your interest. We focus on games that bring out the epic struggles and heart-pounding decisions you’ll face when nature calls the shots. You’ll find everything from cooperative adventures to strategic challenges that test your leadership under pressure. We consider mechanics, theme, and the overall experience when picking these gems, ensuring you’re fully prepped for an unforgettable journey. Grab your gear; it’s time to survive the wilderness from your tabletop!
On this list:
12 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
This game puts you in the shoes of castaways on a deserted island. With unique scenarios and endless replayability, it’s perfect for anyone craving creativity and challenge. We once encountered a hurricane that left us scrambling for shelter, making this more thrilling than expected! Each game tells a different story, keeping things fresh. For those wanting to sharpen wilderness survival skills, it’s an absolute must.
11 Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
What happens when a zombie apocalypse meets a harsh winter? You get this intense board game. Players collaborate, yet hidden agendas add layers of mystery. We remember the time our buddy Dave secretly hoarded all the medicine. The trust element adds spice, making each decision crucial. Wilderness survival isn’t about fighting zombies; it’s about dealing with cabin fever just as much.
10 The Lost Expedition
This one’s based on the deadly adventures of Percy Fawcett. We constantly ended up in hilarious arguments over what to do next. With its card-driven mechanics, this game is both cooperative and competitive—a real test of friendship. It’s quick, engaging, and packs a punch. Conquer the jungle, and you’ll feel like a true explorer. Wilderness survival has never been this fun and challenging.
9 This War of Mine: The Board Game
This game captures the grim realities of warfare and survival. Not your standard wilderness survival game, but an eye-opener for sure. It’s dark yet engaging and evokes strong emotions, ensuring an unforgettable experience. We found ourselves making some tough moral choices, adding depth beyond basic resource management. For those looking for something heavy and thought-provoking, this is the game.
8 Frostpunk: The Board Game
You are plunged into a frozen world, battling the elements. Think of it as SimCity but cold. Resource management and moral choices are the name of the game here. We spent an entire session debating the ethics of child labor, and it got intense. Its survival strategies are thought-provoking. A must-play for fans of its video game cousin or any survival enthusiast.
7 Endangered
Endangered has a similar survival theme, as players try to save endangered species by overcoming disasters and finding resources.
6 Naufragos
This game puts you and your friends on a deserted island, striving to signal for rescue. Gather resources, explore, and keep an eye on your sanity. We once attempted to build a raft with hilarious results. It’s a cooperative experience but has competitive elements. With a blend of storytelling and strategy, it’s ideal for those who enjoy balancing cooperation with a taste of adventure.
5 K2
You’re not just playing a game, you’re climbing a mountain. This one’s based on the real-world expedition of K2. Players face the challenges of altitude, weather, and exhaustion. Fingers crossed you’ve packed oxygen, unlike our group did one time. It feels superior to many climbing games. K2 is perfect if you’re into wilderness survival and enjoy the thrill of conquering summits.
4 Forbidden Island
This cooperative game is beautifully simple and filled with strategic depth. It has all the elements of wilderness survival. You race against time to retrieve treasures before the island sinks. We once celebrated too early. Rookie mistake! It’s perfect for family or friends, experienced or newbies. The teamwork and strategy involved make it an entertaining survival adventure.
3 Castaways
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and the goal? Survival and escape. The twist? ONLY one can tell the story, and it’s competitive! Think Survivor meets crafting. One time, we got so into it we almost forgot dinner was burning in the oven. It might not be the best for everyone, but it has a unique charm that keeps you coming back.
2 The Grizzled
Not your traditional wilderness survival, but surviving the trenches of WWI? That takes grit. A cooperative card game, it challenges players to withstand the horrors of war. Trust us, it’s intense. This is perfect for those who appreciate the real struggles of survival. One game, and you’ll feel like brothers in arms.
1 Spirit Island
Spirit Island flips the script on wilderness survival. Instead of battling nature, you’re defending it. Players become spirits with unique powers to protect their island from invaders. There’s a refreshing twist to this game that kept us engaged for hours. We love the strategic depth and cooperative gameplay. This is the best choice for those who enjoy defending your homeland.
