Description
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). These habitats focus on several key aspects of growth: Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them the winner is the player with the most points after 4 rounds. If you enjoy terraform Mars and gizmos, we think this game will take flight at your table. Featured components: 170 unique bird cards (57x87mm) 26 bonus cards (57x87mm) 16 automa cards (57x87mm) 103 food tokens 75 egg miniatures 5 custom wooden dice 5 player mats 1 birdfeeder dice tower 2-piece game trays custom tray 1 goal mat 8 goal tiles 1 first-player token 40 action cubes (8 per player) 4 clear plastic resource containers 1 scorepad (50 sheets; 1 sheet used for all players each game) 3 guidebook (core, automa, and appendix).
From the brand
From the manufacturer
Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave | Art by by Natalia Rojas, Ana Maria Martinez Jaramillo, and Beth Sobel
Featured Components
- 170 unique bird cards (57x87mm)
- 26 bonus cards (57x87mm) and 16 Automa cards (57x87mm)
- 103 food tokens and 75 egg miniatures
- 5 custom wooden dice and 5 player mats
- 1 birdfeeder dice tower and 2-piece Game Trayz custom tray
- 1 goal mat and 8 goal tiles
- 1 first-player token and 40 action cubes (8 per player)
- 4 clear plastic resource containers and 1 scorepad (50 sheets; 1 sheet used for all players each game)
- 3 rulebooks (core, Automa, and Appendix)
Wingspan
Wingspan is a competitive, medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building board game!
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). These habitats focus on several key aspects of growth:
- Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower
- Lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors
- Draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them
- 1-5 Players
- 40-70 minute playing time
- Ages 14+
How to Play
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Draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them!Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). |
Lay Eggs!Lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors! |
Winner!The winner is the player with the most points after 4 rounds! |
Brought to you by Stonemaier Games!
If you enjoy Terraforming Mars and Gizmos, we think this game will take flight at your table. Please join us in the Wingspan Facebook group to discuss the game!
Important information
Safety Information
Not suitable for children under the age of 3 years
Randell –
Wingspan has become one of our favorite games on the shelf as it provides a great engine building experience while enjoying the art of all the different birds. To get started however, it’s very helpful to have a little experience in the board/card game space as most birds have different rules and things they do. So we’ve found this to be a great game to play as a intro to that more complex layer of games.Pros:- Fun strategic engine building game with interesting goals/synergies- Lots of replay value with different round goals and hidden goals- Great aesthetic- Fun bird factsCons:- Not a lot of interaction between players- A bit more difficult for a board game beginner to pick up- Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to get all the pieces to fit back into the box correctly.
Sour Patch –
So, “Wingspan” is basically the bird-lover’s dream turned into a board game, and let me tell you, it’s a hoot! First off, the cards are like tiny works of art. Beautiful birds with fun facts? It’s like a birdwatching session without leaving your living room.Now, the game itself is where the real fun takes flight. You’re building this crew of birds, and each one’s got its own vibe and superpower. It’s like putting together your own dream team of feathery friends. And don’t get me started on the bird feeder dice tower – rolling those dice is oddly satisfying.The whole point is to lure in the coolest birds to your habitats and rack up points. It’s competitive, but in a friendly, “let’s see who can attract the fanciest birds” way. Plus, you’ve got these eggs as resources, which is a cute touch.Setting it up can be a bit like organizing a bird-themed party at first, but once you get going, it’s smooth sailing. It’s the kind of game that keeps everyone hooked from start to finish, and the best part is, you learn a ton about birds without feeling like you’re in a science class.In a nutshell, “Wingspan” is like taking a bird-filled adventure without leaving your game night. Whether you’re a bird nerd or just looking for a game that’s as chill as it is strategic, this one’s a winner.
Bartek –
Wingspan is an extraordinary board game that takes players on a captivating journey into the world of birds. Created by Stonemaier Games, this bird-collection and engine-building game has quickly become a favorite among my friends and family.The attention to detail in Wingspan is truly remarkable. The beautifully illustrated cards depict a wide variety of bird species, each with unique abilities and attributes. It’s a delight to discover and learn about these feathered creatures as you build your avian empire.The gameplay mechanics are smooth and engaging. From strategically selecting bird cards to managing resources and habitats, every decision feels meaningful and impactful. The engine-building aspect adds depth and complexity, allowing players to create synergistic chains of actions that propel their gameplay forward.The replayability of Wingspan is outstanding. With hundreds of bird cards and multiple strategies to explore, no two games are the same. The game scales well for different player counts, accommodating both solo play and larger group sessions, making it versatile and accommodating for various gaming preferences.The components of Wingspan are of the highest quality. The sturdy birdhouse dice tower and well-crafted eggs, food tokens, and player boards enhance the tactile experience and add to the overall immersion. The rulebook is clear and concise, making it easy to learn and teach the game to newcomers.Beyond the gameplay, Wingspan celebrates the beauty of nature and encourages players to appreciate the wonders of the avian world. It’s a delightful educational experience that sparks curiosity and admiration for our feathered friends.In summary, Wingspan is an absolute gem of a board game that combines stunning artwork, strategic gameplay, and educational value. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a nature enthusiast, this game is sure to captivate and entertain. I wholeheartedly recommend Wingspan to anyone seeking a unique and immersive gaming experience. Prepare to spread your wings and soar into a world of natural splendor!
N2 –
My daughter played this at a work game night and loved it so much that she bought it for my house. I’m so glad she did. This is quite possibly the most enjoyable game I’ve ever played. We bought the European expansion shortly after getting it because we enjoyed it so much, and my daughter bought me extra eggs in different colors for Christmas. I was super happy!It seems complicated the first time playing, but once you get the idea, it’s super easy and straightforward.I would not usually buy a game this expensive, but I had to give it five start for value. We have played over and over and over during the few months we’ve had this game. We played 4 times last weekend alone. lol Definitely worth the price for us. It’s also VERY well made. The cards are nice and thick. The bird eggs are wood and solid pieces. The boards and cardboard parts are very thick and solid. The pictures are beautifully done. We spend time looking at the pictures of the birds as well as playing, and one of my daughters decided to start memorizing the bird facts on the cards.It’s not just my family who likes it. We have played with different sets of my kids’ friends when they were over, and they have all come back wanting to play again. It’s really an inexplicably fun game!
Poiuytrew.q –
I was able to get a copy of this game around Black Friday in 2019 for a good price. Shortly after, from what I remember, it was either sold out or the price was heavily inflated. I tend to wait for games to be more than 40% before purchasing, but I just had this feeling that this game would be worth it. And I was right.REWIND: Ever since I was young I loved playing board games even though I was an only child and I spent hours playing Sorry!, Jumanji, chess, Chinese checkers, Monopoly, etc. all by myself (I would call it research now). And the year culminated at Christmastime when my cousins would all come together and we would play board games together.FAST FORWARD: I played more computer games as I got older and then games on iOS. I found Ticket to Ride or Scotland Yard on iOS and I thought those games were great! Little did I know there were PHYSICAL board games of these games, until my neighborhood friend said he played Ticket to Ride too and brought over the real copy and my mind was blown away.I started sneaking into the toy section at Target and found Pandemic. I acquired some expansions on and that’s where I was for 7 years. I played other games in the mean time but I didn’t care to own them, because my friends owned them. I moved out of the country and was busy with school. I graduated and came back and low and behold it was Black Friday!I had to do research for prices for Black Friday and I stumbled on Ars Technica that mentioned Wingspan. I didn’t care for birds…but the box was pretty…and what? All the cards had different art on them? That’s what sold me.FAST FORWARD again! And here we are 6 months later down a rabbit hole with 80+ games, several game groups (mostly online now due to social distancing), and family who are stuck at home and have no other choice but to play games with me 🙂 I also enjoy birding now and recognize the local birds. A silver lining with Covid is that it is during the Spring so I am able to see multiple different bird species flying around in my suburban backyard which fuels my newfound birding hobby.Pros:1. Wingspan is pretty to look at. Nothing ugly. Even the boring American crow starts to look pretty because it feeds the other birds in your bird “engine” – which is a combination of cards with birds on them that add on powers and help you on your way to victory.2. Even if I lose, I don’t mind it because I enjoyed playing.3. It’s fun to read the little info tidbit and learn something new on every single card.4. Information is from reputable sources.5. The game is pretty.6. It is relaxing…and at the same time NOT because there are so many possible combinations that could happen your brain cog wheels are always spinning. Or at least mine are.7. It has a solo mode.8. There is a Swift-Start pack – which are separate instruction mats for players with instructions to help everyone as a group learn how to play the game. This is a helpful tool for people who have no idea what they’re doing or you want to teach this game to other people.Cons:1. This could potentially lead you to hobbies like board gaming or birding2. If you’re a completionist/OCD and you buy this game, know that you’re in for at least 5 more expansions3. If you love artsy craftsy stuff and find the fan-made things on Etsy…you might spend more money than what you thought you were going to spend4. The bird feeder dice tower is a cool gimmick. I say gimmick, because I let my dumb 12-year-old cousin put it together and it was frayed before I even played the game for the first time. However, my husband bought me a proper bird house dicetower from Etsy…and after you have one of those, why would you ever go back to that cardboard thing?5. The game tray. It’s flimsy plastic…it looks nice…but when you start to plan on sleeving your cards (which I did after I had to hold back from saying anything while tearfully watching Frito fingers manhandle my cards) you end up spending a lot of time trying to figure out which sleeves to buy and if all the cards will fit in the tray…or do you buy a new tray…and the cycle continues. Apparently these cards are American standard card size, because there is a European standard card size. I got the cheapest Mayday sleeves which are also the thinnest, so all the cards still fit in the trays. BUT they feel so thin…and plasticky…They aren’t like the NICE sleeves my husband got for Terraforming Mars. ROLL EYES. The cards from Terraforming Mars are wearing out though on the edges and the Wingspan cards are way nicer in quality.SO good luck to you if you choose this dark path toward pretty birds and board game nights.Seriously though, if you think you might like a pretty card game about pretty birds that isn’t cartoony and has real information you can learn from, try out Wingspan!
Nicole Pearson –
My husband and I have a collection of strategy games that take can take 90min to 4hrs to play. This is a great game that can be set up, played and put away in an hour. There’s different elements to the strategy depending on the end of round bonuses and your personal final scoring bonuses.* Easy set up and put away, we can play after the kids go to bed and still get to bed at a reasonable time.* Pieces are high quality and fun to play with. The cards are real birds and have bird facts on them.* The strategy changes every game.* Fast, engaging game play. No lulls in the action.* Easy to learn. We’ve played with our parents and its one of the only strategy games that they have won.The game says 14 and up but I feel like a game loving 10 year old can probably understand the rules and have fun playing.
Graham Siggins –
The headline sums it up. The game is amazing and we love all the details that went into it. Super impressed is an understatement. The artwork is incredible and I’m flabbergasted that there are so many unique bird cards with this level of effort put into each one.That being said, it was really hard to learn to play. Took us multiple days and hours to get the hang of it, with the help of a youtube video and a couple of friends who own and love the game as well. But overall well worth the effort it took to learn.
Quaker –
If that sounds like a game you’d enjoy, then perhaps Wingspan is for you.This game gets major props for it’s design: The game pieces are substantial. The cards are nicely coated and won’t whither away. The art is beautiful. The multiple instruction books/guidebooks/helper materials are heavy and coated and nicer than magazine quality.But what about the GAME PLAY? Ask yourself if these are the types of things you like in a game:Complicated: The rules are complicated enough that the game includes these very nice starter cards for each player to use the first time you play an open-handed game, they show you how to set up the game and dictate/explain your first several moves. This is a really nice touch, but it speaks to how confusing the game can be. There are 10 different ways to earn points, and you have a LOT of options on every turn, so to get good at the game, you have to be thinking many, many moves ahead and considering a lot of possibilities. To play well, you have to map out of a lot of things in your head. And there are far too many bird cards to learn them all.Not Very Competitive or Interactive. Every player has a limited number of turns in which to build out a thriving bird habitat. The things you put in your habitat earn you points, and those points are tallied at the end to determine the winner. Some of the things you do can affect the other players’ scores and resources, but that is by no means a major driver of your behavior. This is definitely not a game where you can screw over your opponent. In my experience, planning your moves gives you so much to think about that there’s it’s hard to even pay attention to what the other players are doing, let alone chat with them (of course, if you’re able to process and keep track of all that, you’ll have a slight advantage).Limited Engine-Building: What does this mean? The beauty of the game is the fun you may have building “engines”, which means you’ve constructed a bird sanctuary that sustains itself beautifully (and earns you points without much additional work). But each game of Wingspan is exactly 26 moves. This keeps games manageable, length-wise, but can be frustrating in two ways: 1) you will inevitably have choices to make that limit what you can build, and 2) if you’ve done a really great job, then your final 25% of the game will be pretty boring — you’ll stop building and just collect points on your turn. This is satisfying points-wise, but pretty unsatisfying if you like the building part of the game.UPDATE: Get the Oceania expansion pack (often on sale for under $20 here) and the game becomes much more balanced, interesting, and forgiving, with loads of new end-of-game strategy options. Highly recommended.Impossible to conquer: I like games like poker that are impossible to truly conquer, but this one has me really mystified. I’ve played a dozen times and the only conclusion I’ve made about strategy is that I need to study the 200 available cards a little better to understand how to best combine them in future games. I guess the limited number of moves per game makes for a really long learning curve, because I feel like I don’t have enough turns every time I play, or I need to do better with the math part of the game (and I’m pretty good at math). The final score always surprises me, whether I came in first or last.
Island April –
Wingspan is a beautifully designed game. The 170 unique bird cards have great illustrations as well as facts about each bird. The general idea of the game is to earn points by placing birds in the appropriate habitat, laying eggs in the bird nests, competing with mini challenges while playing 4 rounds. Plus you need to gain specific food to play each bird, draw new bird cards and there are activations which give you special advantages. There is a bird feeder dice tower with a ramp to roll the food dice into. You also have individual playing boards, food tokens and wooden eggs. A combination of planning and luck are needed to win this game. If one strategy isn’t working, you’ll want to change your focus.Wingspan has quickly become a favorite game of ours. We usually play with 2 or 3 players, but it can be played with 1 to 5. Great for teens and adults, plus I think younger kids who are good at strategic games could pick this up. There is a bit of a learning curve, but the instructions are detailed to help with that. I like watching someone set up and explain new games on youtube, then you can just refer to the directions when you have a question. After you play a couple of rounds, the game moves along faster. It usually takes us about 60-75 minutes to set up and play a game. We play a bit leisurely, so it might go faster for you. We’ve been playing this most weekends since we got it. I love playing engine building games like Scythe and Terraformimg Mars. This one is easier to learn and play, and you’re mostly focused on building your own aviary and accumulating points. You aren’t attacking opponents and you have no idea how many bonus points they might have. So, until you add up all of the points at the end, no one really knows who’s winning.A great value for a game you’ll play over and over. The pieces are sturdy and should last. I highly recommend adding Wingspan to your collection.
keepitanonymous –
As others have stated the artwork is beautiful. We are a homeschooling family and I hoping for more of a educational value to this game- the cards do contain one fact about the bird pictured. A great educational game for bird lovers is Snatch! available on The Good and The Beautiful homeschooling website. It was fairly inexpensive and shipping is reasonable.It took my husband who has a PhD in physics about 45 maybe as much as 60 mins to setup and understand the gameplay so he could explain it to the rest of us. The game states it’s for ages 14+ but my 10 year old twins had no issues playing the game. It was a little difficult to learn since there are many rules. Once you understand the flow of the board it gets easier. The game states 40-70 minute play time, however I’m pretty sure that we sat there for about 3 hours (4 players, 4 rounds). I’m sure the next time we play it will be a little faster.Overall I would say the game is worth the price given all the components and planning that went into designing it.