Wingspan is a great game, but it’s not the only one out there. If you’re looking for more games like Wingspan, we’ve got you covered. Fans of the Wingspan board game should definitely check out these games too!
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about what people searching for “games like Wingspan” have in mind. Naturally, that’s not going to mean the same thing to every person.
In order to hopefully offer choices for a wide variety of gamers, in this post, you’ll find bird-themed games, engine-building games, strategy games, and other unique games you may have never heard of – 19 games in no particular order.
Games like Wingspan are perfect for bird and nature lovers and those who enjoy strategy games and unique themes. So, whether you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection or are just curious about what games exist beyond Wingspan, read on! You might just find your next favorite game.
Nature and Bird-Themed Games
Wingspan is a bird-themed engine-building game, so we kept those requirements in mind when looking for other games like Wingspan. In this section, you’ll find games that offer a unique experience for players who want to explore the world of birds and nature.
Game #1: Birds of a Feather
Birds of a Feather is a simple and quick-to-learn card game. It started as a Kickstarter project. The gameplay is kid-friendly yet challenging enough for more seasoned gamers, making it a great filler.
With Birds of a Feather, you try to visit as many different habitats as possible to see all the birds there. It’s a great educational game that’s semi-cooperative.
Game Theme: Birds
Players: 1-7
Ages: 9+
Average Play Time: 15 minutes
Game Designer: The designer of Birds of a Feather is Teale Fristoe.
Where to Get it: Free Print and Play or buy directly from the publisher.
Birds of a Feather Gameplay
Game #2: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a strategy board game with a nature theme. In Photosynthesis, players take on the role of trees in a forest. Over the course of the game, they will grow and expand their territory by capturing sunlight and storing it for future use. The player who can best manage their resources will win the game!
This is an entertaining game that’s great for family game night. It’s also perfect for those who love nature and are interested in how plants work!
Game Theme: Nature and Plants
Players: 2-4
Ages: 10+
Average Play Time: 45 minutes
Game Designer: The designer of Photosynthesis is Hjalmar Hach.
Where to get it: Buy Photosynthesis at Amazon.
Photosynthesis Game Trailer
Game #3: Everdell
Everdell may look cutesy, but it’s definitely not just for children. It is a medium complexity worker placement game that includes card management and city-building elements. When considering unique and beautiful game artwork, Everdell qualifies as one of the games like Wingspan that you’ll love to look at, even more so with the collector’s edition.
In Everdell, players compete to see who can create the most impressive city of ever-growing trees and rivers. To do this, they’ll need to employ various tactics, using their critters to gather resources, take actions on their behalf, meet characters, host events, and score points. There’s even a solo mode for those times when you can’t find anyone else to play with you.
Each player starts with a hand of five to eight cards depending on their position in player order, and on their turn, they can either place a worker, play a card, or prepare for the next season. There are three kinds of cards in the game:
- Action Cards: These let you do things immediately, such as gathering resources, playing more cards, or moving your worker around the board.
- Resource Cards: These are used to pay for the costs of playing cards or taking specific actions.
- Construction Cards: These are used to build structures in your city, and each one scores points differently. Types of builds include structures like a twig barge, courthouse, and general store.
Players will need to carefully strategize their turns to make the most of their resources and score the most points.
We are looking forward to playing Everdell ourselves!
Everdell has several expansions that add challenging new mechanics and features to the Everdell base game: Spirecrest, Bellfaire, Extra! Extra, Newleaf & Mistwood.
Game Theme: Forest Meadow
Players: Original version is 1-4 players & the Collector’s Edition is 1-5 players
Ages: 13+
Average Play Time: 40-80 minutes
Game Designer: Everdell was designed by James Wilson.
Where to Get it: Amazon has both the original and collector’s editions of Everdell.
Everdell Game Overview
Game #4: Feather
Feather is a simple game about exploring, relaxing, and losing oneself in the sky; see through the eyes of a bird!
In the digital game Feather, transform into a bird and soar through a lovely, picturesque landscape at your own pace. Join a flock and fly together with others, or just chill alone! By swooping, gliding, and backflipping across strange places, you can discover secret paths that usually only birds can see.
The game features a variety of different birds from which to choose. It’s perfect for when you just want to relax and view some beautiful landscapes.
Game Theme: Birds
Players: Single Player, Online Co-op, Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Ages: All ages
Game Designer: From indie studio Samurai Punk.
Where to Get it: Feathers is a digital game available for PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and for PC and Mac on Steam.
Feather Game Trailer
Game #5: Ark Nova
Ark Nova is an extremely popular new board game, with some of the top board game influencers even calling it their favorite game of all time. If you like the idea of planning, building, and owning a zoo, check out Ark Nova! We recently got our copy in the mail – keep an eye out here at Wingsplain for upcoming Ark Nova strategy posts and content!
This animal-themed board game incorporates many types of game mechanics into one. You’ll construct enclosures, house animals, and contribute to conservation efforts worldwide to achieve the greatest zoological park. Helping you accomplish this are “Specialists” and unique buildings.
Each player has their own set of five action cards to control the game, and the strength of an action is determined by the slot it is in at the time. The cards include the option to gain new zoo cards, build new enclosures and pavilions, add animals, workers to do specific tasks, and sponsors to raise money.
Ark Nova includes 255 cards, each with its own unique abilities, such as animals, specialists, special enclosures, and conservation projects. Replayability is excellent!
Game Theme: Animals, Zoo
Players: 1-4
Ages: 14+
Average Play Time: 2 hours for experienced players
Game Designer: The designer of Ark Nova is Mathias Wigge.
Where to Get it: Ark Nova’s official release date in the US is April 29, 2022, and you can find it on Amazon with free Prime shipping.
Ark Nova Game Trailer
Game #6: Murder of Crows, Second Edition
While not a pure bird-themed game, Murder of Crows looks fun for those who would enjoy the combination of birds and a good murder mystery. It’s a competitive murder-mystery card game that mixes card game, strategy, and storytelling.
In Murder of Crows, players must collect all of the letters in the word “murder” to win. The who, what, where, why, and how of a crime are all addressed on each letter card.
Each letter has its own unique ability. Players must plan ahead to make the most of additional draws, compelled discards, and steals. They can be immune to a particular effect by discarding matching cards or Wild Crows.
Game Theme: Bird
Players: 2-5
Ages: 13+
Average Play Time: 20 minutes
Game Designer: Murder of Crows was designed by Eduardo Baraf and Thomas Denmark.
Where to get it: You can grab Murder of Crows on Amazon.
Murder of Crows Overview
Game #7: What Bird am I?
Test your bird identification skills! What Bird am I? is a bird identification card game that’s perfect for all the bird nerds, aspiring bird experts, or ornithology students out there. There are 300 North American birds within three difficulty levels included in the game. Any birder would enjoy it.
To play the game, each player is given a series of hints to guess the current bird card—for example, a bird’s habitat, physical description, or characteristic. The faster a player can correctly identify the bird (fewer hints), the more points they will receive for a correct answer.
Game Theme: Birds
Players: 2+
Ages: 14+
Game Designer: The creator of What Bird am I? is Outset Media.
Where to get it: What Bird am I? is available through Amazon
What Bird am I? Game Trailer
Beyond Birds and Nature: Other Unique Themed Games
Looking for new games to play that have unique themes and exciting gameplay mechanics? I dug in and did the research, so you don’t have to!
The list from here down aren’t exactly nature-themed games like Wingspan, but you’re bound to enjoy the gameplay and the fun themes anyway. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite.
Here’s our list of games ranging from engine-building to storybook and beyond that you may never have heard of.
Game #8: Terraforming Mars
If you’re looking for engine-building games like Wingspan, you will love Terraforming Mars. In this game, you try to make the planet Mars hospitable for human life.
In Terraforming Mars, you control a corporation. Play project cards, build up production, place your cities and green areas on the map, and race for milestones and awards! Players compete to terraform the planet Mars most efficiently to achieve the highest player score.
Terraforming Mars isn’t for the faint at heart; it’s complex but still a lot of fun, especially when you figure it all out.
There is both a tabletop board game and a digital version.
Game Theme: Space
Players: 1-5
Ages: 12+
Average Playing Time: 2 hours
Game Designer: The game was designed by Jacob Fryxelius.
Where to Get it: Terraforming Mars is on Steam and Amazon.
Terraforming Mars Game Trailer
Game #9: Sleeping Gods
Sleeping Gods is a campaign-based storybook game that started on Kickstarter. It’s a game where players explore an unknown island, find missing relics, and battle strange monsters together.
In Sleeping Gods, you play the role of Sofi Odessa and her crew. In 1929 their steamer was shipwrecked in a strange world. You must cooperate to survive, visit exotic islands, meet new characters, and seek out the gods’ totems to return home. Expect a thrilling adventure, magical discoveries, and colorful personalities.
You’ll make decisions that affect the characters and the game’s story, and they may help or impede your chances of returning home!
Sleeping Gods: Tides of Ruin Expansion
There’s an expansion for Sleeping Gods; Tides of Ruin which increases the size of the world and introduces new dangers and adventures.
Upcoming Sequel to Sleeping Gods
Look for the upcoming standalone sequel, Sleeping Gods: Distant Skies, in 2023!
Game Theme: Nautical Campaign
Players: 1-4
Ages: 13+
Average Play Time: Your choice
Game Designer: The designer of Sleep Gods is Ryan Laukat.
Where to Get it: Sleeping Gods is available on Amazon.
Sleeping Gods Game Trailer
Game #10: Wings of War (Wings of Glory) Board Game
The Wings of War series is a card and board game hybrid that recreates aerial combat during World War I. In this game series, each player controls a squadron of four aircraft, which they maneuver on the tabletop to achieve the best results. After a new company bought the IP, its name changed to Wings of Glory.
Each Wings of War set is a complete game that may be combined with additional sets, or copies of the same set, to enable larger gameplay.
With fighter planes from WWII (1939-1941), Wings of War: The Dawn of World War II. With the unique and viscerally satisfying Wings of War maneuver system, you can outfight, outthink, and outfly your opponents. Up to 6 planes can fly with the contents of this WWII set.
Game Theme: WWI and WWII Aerial Combat
Players: 2-6
Ages: 10+
Average Play Time: 20+ minutes
Game Designer: Wings of War was designed by Andrea Angiolino and Pier Giorgio Paglia.
Where to Get it: The Wings of War (Wings of Glory) games can be purchased on Amazon.
Wings of Glory (Wings of War) Game Play
Game #11: Five Tribes
The old sultan has died, and Naqala is now up for grabs! The oracles predicted that foreign powers would use the Five Tribes to gain control of the mythical city-state. Will you be the one to fulfill the prophecy? If you enjoy strategy games and planning ahead, this game is for you.
The Five Tribes is a worker placement game where implementing a winning strategy will take a calculated approach. To succeed in this type of game, you must look ahead to figure out which moves will enable you to do well and put your opponents at a disadvantage.
The game is set in the desert, and you have to be careful not to let your opponents get too far ahead of you. The game is also quite challenging, and you will need to use all of your cunning to win.
There are also two expansions available for Five Tribes; Five Tribes: The Artisans of Naqala Expansion and Five Tribes: Whims of the Sultan.
Game Theme: Desert Sultan
Players: 2-4
Ages: 13+
Average Play Time: 1 hour
Game Designer: Five Tribes game designer is Bruno Cathala.
Where to Get it: Five Tribes is on Amazon with free Prime shipping.
Five Tribes Game Overview
Game #12: Carcassonne
Carcassonne was inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name. It’s a tile-placement strategy game where players take turns laying tiles to create a map of the French countryside.
A player draws and lays one tile on each turn, then moves their meeple on the board to account for the new tile. Cities, highways, monasteries, and farms are all represented on the tiles. Players may play as knights, monks, farmers, or thieves depending on the type of tile their meeple is placed on.
During the game, players must make critical decisions such as, “Is it truly worth risking my last meeple on this?” or “What should I do with this tile? Should I use it to expand my city, or should I place it near my opponent, making completing their project more difficult?”
Carcassonne Expansions
There are ten expansions for Carcassonne and several more standalone games, so you’ll never get bored playing this game!
Game Theme: Medieval Castle in France
Players: 2-5
Ages: 7+
Average Play Time: 45 minutes
Game Designer: The game designer for Carcassone is Klaus-Jürgen Wrede.
Where to Get it: On Amazon with Free Prime Shipping.
Carcassone Game Play Overview
Game #13: Concept
Concept is a party game that’s easy to learn but still provides a good challenge to players. It’s charades meets board game, and creativity is required! Clues are given using icons on the board.
One reviewer described it like this, “I like how it makes you think. The concept (pun not intended) of breaking down ideas, phrases, and things into concepts and sub-concepts is a ton of fun, and there’s no right or wrong way to do things.”
Concept would make an excellent game for game night or for bringing to family holiday gatherings. If you enjoy Charades or Pictionary, you’ll like this one too.
There’s also a kid’s version available!
Game Theme: Cooperative Guessing
Players: 4-12
Ages: 10+
Average Play Time: 40 minutes
Game Designer: Concept was designed by Alain Rivollet and Gaetan Beaujannot.
Where to Get it: Grab your copy of Concept over at Amazon.
Concept Game Trailer
Game #14: Isle of Skye – From Chieftain to King
Another one of the games like Wingspan that you might like is called Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King. In this tile-laying game, as a chieftain, you are trying to build the best kingdom in the game to score the most points.
The setting is the Isle of Skye, located in Scotland. With unobstructed ocean views, soft sand beaches, gently sloping hills, and magnificent mountains, it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Players will draft and purchase tiles in an auction to construct the island’s terrain in their area. To obtain coins and purchase desirable tiles, players must link roads to whiskey barrels. Thanks to how tiles are scored, each game is different and requires different tactics and strategies to win.
This board game has a lot of replayability since it contains a light auction system and modular scoring, making it highly strategic and infinitely re-playable. Game tokens get drawn randomly at the start of each new game preventing players from developing a repeatable winning strategy.
There’s also an expansion for this unique game that adds merchants, heralds, and warriors to help you rule your kingdom. The expansion is called Isle of Skye: Journeyman.
Game Theme: Scottish Kingdom Building
Players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Average Play Time: 50 minutes
Game Designers: Andreas Pelikan, Alexander Pfister are the designers behind Isle of Skye.
Where to Get it: Isle of Skye is available at Amazon as well as the expansion.
Isle of Skye Tutorial
Game #15: Scythe
If you like engine-building games like Wingspan, check out Scythe. Slightly more complicated than Wingspan, the game is set in an alternate history world with multiple objectives to pursue at the same time.
It’s published by Stonemeier Games (the same publisher as Wingspan), known for its attention to detail in game design and production. The game board is giant, so plan on clearing some room before you play. It also comes with character minis and a single-player automa option.
The story: In the 1920s, Europe was in turmoil. The capitalistic city-state factory that supplied the war with heavily armored mechs has shut down. The snow is still stained with the ashes of the first great war. Nearby countries take notice.
In Scythe, you’ll need to lead your faction to victory by creating mechs, working the land, and exploring the mysterious factory. While doing so, watch out for other encroaching factions! Defend your territory against rival rulers who are on the quest to expand their empires as well.
With a wide variety of victory conditions, each player can build a unique game of their own, independent of what other players are doing. You will have to manage your resources carefully and make sure that you make the most of your time. Who will rise to the top?
There are both digital and tabletop versions of the game, with several expansions available as well.
Game Theme: Science Fiction (Alternate History – 1920’s)
Players: 1-5
Ages: 14+
Average Play Time: 90-120 minutes
Game Designer: The game designer for Scythe is Jamie Staegmeir.
Where to Get it: The physical version of Scythe is available from Amazon with free Prime shipping.
Looking for the digital version too? You’ll find that over on Steam: Mac & Windows. The iOS & Android cross-compatible versions are now available as well!
Scythe Game Trailer
Game #16: Ticket to Ride: Europe
Ticket to Ride: Europe is a game where you collect train cards and use them to claim railways across Europe. This version adds more complexity than the original Ticket to Ride game. However, the overall goal remains the same: collect and play train cards to place your pieces on the board while attempting to connect cities with your ticket cards. New game elements with the European version include stations, ferries, and tunnels.
Like Wingspan, Ticket to Ride: Europe is a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game also has beautiful artwork and interesting mechanics.
Ticket to Ride: Europe is the perfect family night board game that players of all ages will enjoy.
Game Theme: Trains
Players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Average Play Time: 30-60 minutes
Game Designer: The game designer of Ticket to Ride: Europe is Alan R. Moon.
Where to Get it: You can buy Ticket to Ride: Europe on Amazon.
Ticket to Ride: Europe Game Trailer
Game #17: A Feast for Odin
Love Viking lore? Create your own saga with A Feast for Odin!
A Feast for Odin is a worker placement and engine-building strategy board game where players are Viking chieftains who are trying to get the most points by raiding, trading, and pillaging.
In the search for riches and glory, command a band of Vikings to trade, hunt, raid, pillage, and plunder for your people. In Odin’s name, players build buildings, go to new worlds, and enjoy a feast every round. The game is played over seven rounds, and at the end of each round, players will score points for the items they’ve collected.
The game has a lot of different mechanics, such as dice rolling, card drafting, puzzle-solving, and tile placement. There’s even a solo mode! It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Game Theme: Viking Life
Players: 1-4
Ages: 12+
Average Play Time: 60 minutes
Game Designer: The game designer for A Feast for Odin is Uwe Rosenberg.
Where to Get it: Get A Feast for Odin, along with the expansion on Amazon.
A Feast for Odin Game Overview
Game #18: Charterstone
Like Wingspan, Charterstone is another Stonemier Games production. It’s a worker placement legacy-style game where players take on the role of one of the six citizens of a newly founded village within the Kingdom. They will need to construct buildings and gather resources to score points and ultimately win the campaign by getting the king to declare your town as the Eternal City.
The catch is that each player only has access to a limited number of resources, so they will need to trade with other players to get what they need.
Charterstone is an excellent game for those who like games that require a bit of strategy and planning. It’s also a lot of fun to see your village grow throughout the game. You’ll continue to build upon previous games going forward. Watch the story of Charterstone unfold as you progress through the campaign.
Game Theme: Science Fiction Villiage Building
Players: 1-6
Ages: 14+
Average Play Time: 60 minutes
Game Designer: The designer of Charterstone is Jamey Stegmaier.
Where to Get it: Amazon has the table-top version of Charterstone. You can get it by clicking here: Charterstone at Amazon.
Besides the table-top version, Charterstone is also available in digital form for PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and Nintendo.
Charterstone Game Trailer
Game #19: The Great Western Trail – 2nd Edition
The Great Western Trail game is about moving your cattle from one location to another to sell them for the most profit. You’re a rancher who must drive your cattle from Texas to Kansas City, where they are sent by train. This affects both your money and victory points.
Each time you come to Kansas City, you want your most essential cattle with you. However, the Great Western Trail requires that you keep your herd in good shape and that you wisely use the various buildings along the trail.
Also, it might be a good idea to hire capable staff: cowboys to improve your herd, craftsmen to build your buildings or engineers for the important railroad line. If you cleverly manage your herd and navigate the opportunities and pitfalls of The Great Western Trail, you surely will gain the most victory points and win the game.
Game Theme: 19th Century Ranching
Players: 2-4
Ages: 12+
Average Play Time: 2 hours
Game Designer: Alexander Pfister.
Where to Get it: Great Western Trail, Second Edition is available on Amazon.
Great Western Trail Game Trailer
Wrapping it Up
It can be hard to find games as good as Wingspan, but we hope this list has helped you discover a few new games worth trying.
Have you played any of the games we listed? Do you have any other favorite games like Wingspan that you want to share with us?
If so, please leave a comment below and let us know! We always love hearing from our readers. Happy gaming!
Great list! I’ve played a few of these games, but I can’t wait to check out the others. Wingspan is such a unique experience—it’s nice to see more recommendations that capture that spirit. Thanks for sharing!