Price: $49.99 - $35.42
(as of Feb 28, 2025 11:27:07 UTC – Details)
Over millions of years of evolution and adaptation, the flora and fauna of this unique planet have grown and developed into amazing life-forms, creating beautiful symbiotic ecosystems and diverse habitats. It’s time to create your island: a 4×4 tableau of self-supporting growth, expansion and supply where even the cards you don’t need become compost for future gain. OVERVIEW: Earth is an open-world engine builder for 1 to 5 players with simple rules and countless strategic possibilities. With its encyclopedic nature and a near-infinite number of tableau combinations, every single game will allow you to discover new synergies and connections, just as our vast and fascinating world allows us to do! Players will create a self-supporting engine of growth, expansion, and supply by drafting from a deck of over 364 unique cards and strategically placing them in their tableau. STARTING THE GAME – The game begins before the starting hand has even been drafted. Players will receive an Island, Climate, and Ecosystem card during set-up. Using these double-sided cards, each player sows their strategy by selecting one side of the card to place face-up in their play area. The combination of these three cards introduces asymmetry to the game by providing variable starting resources, bonus abilities, and unique end-game scoring objectives. ON YOUR TURN – On their turn, the active player will choose one of four different actions, reaping their major benefits, while all other players welcome the minor benefit. Subsequently, all players activate any cards on their player-board, and in their tableau, which match the color of the chosen action. Players continue taking actions, arranging their Island, sowing Plants and developing Terrains to attract elusive Fauna, and unlock the scoring bonuses of diverse Ecosystems. TRIGGERING END GAME – Once a player has added a sixteenth card to their 4×4 tableau, they earn a completion bonus and trigger the end of the game. All players will tally the victory points they earned from completing Ecosystems, reaching Fauna objectives, Composting cards, gaining Plant cubes and Growth pieces, for their Plant and Terrain values and for Events played. The player with the most victory points wins! Game Playtime (min): 45. Number of Players: 5.
SIMULTANEOUS PLAY: Every turn the active player chooses a major benefit, all other players gain a minor benefit.
350 plus UNIQUE CARDS: With over 350 unique cards, some of which are even double sided, Earth offers endless replayability with over 25,000 starting setups.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: With Solo, Team, and Competitive variants, you can choose your desired way to play.
BEAUTIFUL GROWTH: Watch as your Island unfolds before you, adding unique plants, habitats and ecosystems in order to support the wildlife around you.
ENVIRONMENTALLY MADE: We were sure to use materials that are FSC qualified, and tried our best to reduce environmental impact on every copy made.
Customers say
Customers find the board game fun and dynamic with a lot of depth of strategy and interesting decisions. They appreciate the short game duration that keeps everyone engaged and not just waiting. The build quality is appreciated, with good player boards and iconography that make cards and actions easy to understand. However, opinions vary on how easy it is to learn.
Product Review: Earth – An Open-World Engine Builder
Overview:
In the realm of board games, few titles manage to capture the beauty and complexity of an ecosystem quite like Earth. This open-world engine builder elegantly combines strategy with a unique ecological theme, allowing players to create their self-supporting island tableau. Earth is designed for 1 to 5 players and takes about 45 minutes to play, making it an excellent choice for game night with friends or family.
Gameplay Experience:
From the moment you set up the game, you’re greeted with an enchanting array of cards that encapsulate the intricate connections of ecosystems. Each player begins with an Island, Climate, and Ecosystem card, which provides variable starting resources and strategic pathways to explore. The game’s mechanics are straightforward; however, the strategic possibilities are virtually limitless, thanks to over 350 unique cards. You’re not merely playing a game; you’re crafting a vibrant world, nurturing plants, and attracting fauna as you build your tableau.
Each turn is a delightful blend of decision-making and tactics. Players alternate between major and minor actions, ensuring everyone remains engaged while fostering camaraderie and competition. The simultaneous play mechanism means you’re always involved, whether it’s your turn or not. This keeps the pace lively and prevents downtime, making for an immersive experience.
Replayability:
The immense variety in gameplay is another major highlight. With over 25,000 potential starting setups, no two games are ever alike. Whether you’re playing solo, in teams, or competitively, Earth promises to keep things fresh and exciting. The game’s asymmetrical starting setup further adds layers of strategy as each player embarks on a unique journey toward victory, emphasizing personal and collective growth in a captivating manner.
Aesthetics and Components:
Not to be overlooked, Earth is stunningly designed. The artwork on the cards vividly depicts the plants, ecosystems, and fauna, creating a visually appealing experience that truly immerses players in the theme. The tactile feel of the cards and components enhances the gameplay, inviting players to delve deeper into their strategies and ecosystems.
Environmental Commitments:
As an added bonus, Earth is produced using environmentally responsible materials, ensuring that your gaming experience is not only enjoyable but also mindful of ecological impact. This commitment to sustainability is a significant draw for conscientious consumers looking to support eco-friendly products.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, Earth is a brilliant addition to the board game landscape, seamlessly intertwining strategy, creativity, and environmental awareness. For anyone looking for a game that provides both a challenge and a wondrous journey through nature, Earth is a must-have. Its engaging playstyle, stunning aesthetics, and high replayability make it a worthy investment for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. If you seek a game that encapsulates the beauty of evolution and cooperation, look no further—your island awaits!
