# APEX: Carnivore

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #14758
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 20-30 min
- **Weight**: 2.25 / 5
- **Designers**: Fulvio Flamini, Hendrik Poulsen Nautrup, Lea M. Trenkwalder
- **Artists**: Alexander Rommel
- **Publishers**: OneStone Studios
- **Categories**: Animals, Card Game, Dice, Educational, Fighting, Prehistoric
- **Mechanics**: Chaining, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Dice Rolling, Open Drafting, Player Elimination, Stat Check Resolution, Turn Order: Stat-Based

## Verdict
A fast-paced, tense evolutionary duel for fans of deckbuilding and high-stakes dice rolls.Dynamic evolutionary feelQuick, punchy gameplayExciting direct combatHeavy reliance on dice luckPlayer elimination might stingRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready for a frantic evolutionary race! In APEX: Carnivore, you aren't just playing cards; you are shaping the very destiny of a species. Everyone starts from the same Miacidae ancestor, but from there, the evolutionary path is yours to choose: will you branch into agile felids, sturdy bears, or cunning mustelids? The goal is simple yet brutal: survive and dominate. You must drive your opponent's population to zero to be crowned the apex predator.

The core mechanic is an evolutionary deckbuilder where your deck represents your creature's DNA. Each round, you manage traits that drastically reshape how your species hunts or defends itself. But don't expect a guaranteed progression; here, fate is decided by the dice. To activate a new trait or use an existing one, you must pass a d20 roll against its Difficulty Class. A success triggers a powerful mutation, while a failure means natural selection might be unkind.

What makes APEX truly stand out is the lack of traditional currency or resources. Your only assets are your engine and your dice rolls. Strategy lies in how you chain your traits and time your modifiers to ensure that, during the direct confrontation, your Power and Defense outmatch your rival's. Once the activation phase ends, the fight for survival begins: those with the best balance of strength and protection dictate who stays in the food chain and who faces extinction. It is a fast-paced, punchy experience with constant tension, perfect for players who love quick decisions and high-stakes risk management.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
It's quite fast, roughly 20-30 minutes, making it a great filler.

### Is it too complex?
It has moderate weight (2.25/5). Rules are straightforward, but deck synergy requires real thought.

### Can I play solo?
Yes! Solo rules are included in the box.

### Do I need to know English?
Yes, there is moderate language dependency, so an aid or translated cards might be helpful.

### Who is this for?
Fans of quick card games, nature themes, and those who enjoy a bit of dice-driven risk.

### How many players can play?
Officially 1-2 players, but with two copies, you can host a 3-4 player free-for-all.