Darwin's Journey

ThunderGryph Games, Blackrock Games, CMON Global Limited · Board game · 2023
— Ludopedia 8.1 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 3.9/5
Buy · from US$ 57.58
— rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a heavy eurogame with deep strategy, Darwin's Journey is a journey worth taking. Get ready to plan every single step!

Highlights
  • Innovative worker progression
  • Deep strategic choices
  • Immersive, well-integrated theme
  • High replayability
  • Challenging solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Plays longer than expected
  • Indirect player interaction
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine yourself at sea, with an endless horizon in sight, until suddenly, a distant shore appears, promising an unforgettable adventure. In Darwin's Journey, you will disembark on the stunning Galápagos Islands, a paradise of unique beauty and exuberant biodiversity, ready for a scientific exploration that will change the world. This worker-placement eurogame invites you to relive Charles Darwin's memories and his journey that paved the way for the Theory of Evolution.

The game's big innovation is its worker progression system. Your researchers are not mere pawns; they need to 'study' different disciplines to become capable of performing more complex actions. Want to explore a new area? Your worker needs to have the right knowledge. Need to collect rare specimens or send your discoveries to museums? More study is required! This mechanic creates a deep strategic layer, where you need to plan not only where to allocate your workers but also how to develop their skills.

Over five intense rounds, every decision counts. The game offers a variety of short- and long-term objectives, ensuring that every action, from exploration to corresponding with scientific institutions, contributes in some way to your victory points. Prepare to delve into natural sciences, decipher the secrets of nature, and leave your mark on the history of biology.

Expansions

Published additional content

10 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Darwin's Journey English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Official Music Soundtrack Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Historical Figures: Charles Darwin Islands: Galápagos (Ecuador)
Publisher ThunderGryph Games, Blackrock Games, CMON Global Limited, CrowD Games, Gémklub, Ghenos Games
Designer Nestore Mangone, Simone Luciani
Artist Kristiaan der Nederlanden, Paolo Voto

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

17,637owners
5,352wishlist
516want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a typical game of Darwin's Journey last?
A game of Darwin's Journey usually takes between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and the group's familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play?
The game can be played by 1 to 4 players, offering a robust experience for both solo players and groups.
Is it a complex game? What's the difficulty level?
Yes, Darwin's Journey is considered a highly complex game (BGG weight of 3.89/5). It's a dense eurogame that requires strategic planning and action optimization, ideal for more experienced players.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the game is known for its high-quality components, with detailed artwork and durable materials, providing a very good tactile experience.
Is there any language dependency in the components?
While the rulebook has a fair amount of text, most game components (icons, symbols) are language-independent, making gameplay easier once the rules are learned.
Who is Darwin's Journey best suited for?
It's highly recommended for fans of heavy eurogames who appreciate worker placement with deep strategic layers, skill progression, and a well-integrated historical/scientific theme. If you enjoy deep thinking and optimizing every turn, this is for you!

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