Top 9 Best Wilderness Survival Board Games of 2024
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ready to tackle the great outdoors from the comfort of your living room? We’ve scoured forests, deserts, and uncharted islands to bring you the 9 best ‘wilderness survival’ based board games out there. When picking our top choices, we looked for games that not only test your survival skills but also bring a hefty dose of fun, strategy, and, yeah, a little bit of that ‘oh no, we’re totally lost’ thrill. From battling nature’s fury to outsmarting mythical beasts, each game offers a unique spin on surviving the wild. Ready to see if you’ve got what it takes to come out on top? Let’s jump in and explore the wilderness like never before!
On this list:
9 The Island
Imagine being stranded on a shrinking island, with every move risking your survival. This game kicks things off with a bang, or should we say, a splash? Players scramble to save their pieces from fierce creatures and the ever-rising waters. It’s a riot, with every playthrough tossing us into the deep end of strategy and laughter.
8 Friday
Stranded on an island with nothing but wits to rely on, Friday is a solo adventure that tests your survival skills to the max. It’s like being in a one-man reality show, minus the cameras and with way more deadly animals. This little gem teaches you to manage resources like a true wilderness survival pro. Plus, losing has never been this much fun.
7 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
This one’s a beast of a game, folks. If you want a heavy dose of wilderness survival with a side of story, Robinson Crusoe’s your pick. You’re stranded on a not-so-deserted island, crafting shelters and tools, surviving wild animals, and weathering the elements. It’s a group effort to beat the odds, and boy, does it get intense. We’ve never felt more accomplished than when we survived another day on Cursed Island.
6 Survive: Escape from Atlantis!
This one’s a classic for a reason. You’re not just surviving the wilderness; you’re escaping a sinking island while other players send sea creatures to upend your plans! It’s like playing in a blockbuster action movie. The mix of strategy and sheer panic makes Survive an unforgettable ride. Trust us, it’s a blast trying to outwit your friends while keeping an eye out for sea monsters.
5 Bushcraft
When we talk about wilderness survival, we gotta give a nod to Bushcraft. It’s all about living off the land and using what nature gives you. This game makes you feel like a true outdoorsman, minus the actual mud. You’ll manage resources, craft tools, and face the wild. It’s a hands-on experience that had us hooked from the get-go. Plus, who knew foraging could be so fun?
4 Pandemic: On the Brink
Alright, so this one’s a bit of a curveball. You’re fighting a global pandemic rather than surviving in the wilderness, but the resource management, strategy, and co-operative play give it that wilderness survival vibe. It’s intense, it’s cooperative, and every move counts. We loved the pressure and the teamwork required to save humanity. It’s like being in a disaster movie where you’re the hero!
3 Spirit Island
This one flips the script. Instead of surviving the wilderness, you are the wilderness, protecting your island from colonizers. Each player becomes a different spirit with unique powers, working together to fend off invaders. It’s a cooperative game that’s as strategic as it is thematic. Spirit Island is a satisfying mix of defense tactics and environmental storytelling. Plus, playing as nature’s guardian spirit feels pretty awesome.
2 Lost Valley
This game’s a gold rush adventure where surviving the wilderness means beating others to the treasure. You’ll mine for gold, fish for food, and sometimes, steal from your fellow prospectors. It’s the wild west of wilderness survival games. What we loved most about Lost Valley was the freedom to choose your path to wealth, making each game a new adventure. Plus, the competitive edge adds a real zing to the survival theme.
1 Ark: Survival Evolved
Top of our list, we’ve got Ark: Survival Evolved. This isn’t just a game; it’s an epic saga of survival where you’re up against dinosaurs, the environment, and other players. Building bases, taming dinos, and surviving in an ever-changing ecosystem, Ark delivers an unrivaled wilderness survival experience. We picked it as the best because it goes beyond just surviving; it’s about creating a new world where every choice has an impact. It’s thrilling, it’s intense, and it had us on the edge of our seats from start to finish.
