Darwin's Journey: Oceania

ThunderGryph Games · Board game · 2026
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 4.4/5
rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoyed the original Darwin's Journey and want more exploration with a hint of risk, this expansion is for you! Oceania brings a brand-new map and mechanics that add that extra spice.

Highlights
  • Brand new map and locations
  • Risk/reward mechanic
  • More strategic depth
  • Setup variety
Keep in mind
  • Expansion, requires base game
  • Initial learning curve
  • May increase playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a new adventure with Darwin's Journey: Oceania! In this expansion, the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin takes us to the stunning islands of the Pacific, a paradise of wild beauty and exotic life forms waiting to be discovered. But don't be fooled, the journey won't be all wonders; prepare to face the dangers and unpredictability that the wild nature holds, testing your resilience and cunning.

Oceania introduces a brand-new island map, brimming with 16 unique specimens inspired by the region's rich biodiversity. Your player boards have been reimagined, bringing exclusive bonuses to give that special touch to your strategies. The main board has also received a complete makeover, with new locations like the Post Office, University, Village Campsites (including Silver and Golden ones!), and the mysterious Map Lens Locations.

The big highlight is the Hazard Track mechanic. It adds a layer of risk and reward to the game: accumulating hazards can bring penalties, but whoever is at the top of the track gains a powerful strategic bonus. This expansion promises to deepen the Darwin's Journey experience, adding more challenges, tactical decisions, and that genuine sense of exploration we all love. It's the perfect pick for those who want more of that combo of strategy and scientific discovery!

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Official Music Soundtrack Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Misc: LongPack Games Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Region: Oceania Series: 30 Journeys (Thundergryph) Theme: Biology Theme: Science
Publisher ThunderGryph Games
Designer Nestore Mangone, Simone Luciani
Artist Paolo Voto

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Does this expansion work on its own, or do I need the base Darwin's Journey game?
You need the base Darwin's Journey game to play with the Oceania expansion, as it adds new elements to the main game.
How much extra time does this expansion add to the game?
The expansion can increase playtime by about 30-60 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the new mechanics and the player count.
Is it much harder than the base game?
The expansion introduces the Hazard Track, which adds a risk element and can increase difficulty. However, the overall complexity is manageable for those already familiar with the base game.
How many players can play with this expansion?
Just like the base game, the Oceania expansion supports 1 to 4 players.
What are the main new components included in the box?
The expansion includes a new island board, new specimen cards, components for the Hazard Track, and elements for new locations like the Post Office and University.
Is this a good expansion for someone just starting with Darwin's Journey?
We recommend playing the base game a few times before introducing the Oceania expansion to get familiar with the core rules.