Bios: Megafauna (Second Edition)

Ion Game Design, Sierra Madre Games, Fox in the Box · Board game · 2017
1–4 · best 3 Solo 90–180 min Weight 4.5/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-play for biology buffs and heavy gamers looking for a fascinating evolution simulation.

Highlights
  • Incredibly rich scientific theme
  • Organic and surprising narrative
  • Deep strategic complexity
  • Great integration with Bios: Genesis
Keep in mind
  • Very steep learning curve
  • Heavy reliance on text/translation
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Ever wondered what it would be like to steer the course of life on Earth? In Bios: Megafauna, you take the helm during one of the most pivotal moments in history: the invasion of land at the dawn of the Phanerozoic eon. Forget the textbooks; here, you write the rules. You start your lineage as a plant, a mollusk, an insect, or a vertebrate, fighting to establish a beachhead on drifting continental plates during the Cambrian period. It's a brutal struggle for terrestrial dominance, with carnivores and herbivores clashing for every inch of territory.

But the journey doesn't stop at simple survival. As the ages roll by, your species can evolve toward higher complexity, potentially developing consciousness and language. While a certain mammal species achieved notoriety in our world, your game could take a wildly different turn. Imagine a world where your sentient mollusks are the ones building empires!

This second edition is an evolutionary descendant of American Megafauna and is a core part of the Bios series. While it plays perfectly as a standalone experience, it features a deep integration with Bios: Genesis. If you own both, the end state of your Genesis game can directly influence the starting conditions of Megafauna, creating a seamless, epic evolutionary saga. Get ready for a heavy, strategic experience where biology meets area control on a scale of millions of years. It's the ultimate playground for those who love science and strategy, allowing you to test your evolutionary theories and see who truly survives the test of time.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Animals: Dinosaurs Animals: Fish / Fishes Animals: Prehistoric Non-Dinosaurs Animals: Worms Components: Meeples (Animal) / Animeeples Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: VASSAL Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: BIOS (Phil Eklund) Theme: Biology Theme: Evolution Theme: Science Theme: Weather
Publisher Ion Game Design, Sierra Madre Games, Fox in the Box
Designer Andrew Doull, Jon Manker, Phil Eklund
Artist Johanna Pettersson
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex? Can a beginner play it?
It's definitely an 'Expert' level game. The rules are dense and there's a lot of information to track. If you're a beginner, I'd suggest starting with lighter games or having an experienced player guide you.
Do I need Bios: Genesis to play Megafauna?
Nope! It works perfectly as a standalone game. Genesis is a bonus: if you have both, one game's outcome affects the other, but it's not required.
How long does a game typically last?
Get ready for a long session. A game can last anywhere from 1.5 to 3+ hours, depending on the player count and the group's pace.
Is the game available in English?
Yes, but be aware that it's text-heavy. You'll need a good grasp of the language to handle the cards and rules effectively.
How many players can join in?
From 1 to 4 players. Yes, it includes solo rules, which is great for testing out different evolutionary paths!