# Earth: Animal Kingdom

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-6
- **Duration**: 45-90 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Maxime Tardif
- **Publishers**: Inside Up Games, Lavka Games, Lucky Duck Games, Rawstone, Skellig Games, Yellowstar Games
- **Categories**: Animals, Card Game, Environmental, Expansion for Base-game
- **Mechanics**: Contracts, End Game Bonuses, Follow, Hand Management, Pattern Building, Solo / Solitaire Game, Tags, Team-Based Game, Tile Placement, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
If you're already a fan of Earth, Animal Kingdom is like giving your ecosystem steroids. Each animal adds layers of strategy and unpredictability, making every game unique. The interaction between the animeeples and the board is a show in itself, and the global abilities ensure everyone keeps an eye on what others are doing. It's an expansion that elevates the base game to another level, perfect for those who want more depth and variety.Unique abilities per animalDynamic board interactionAdaptable and flexible strategyAnimeeples bring the game to lifeHigh replayabilityCan be complex for beginnersRequires the base gameGames can run longHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
The Animal Kingdom expansion adds a new layer of depth to the award-winning Earth, introducing 36 animals with unique abilities that change how you build your ecosystem. Every time you use a leaf, your chosen animals spring into action, generating resources, triggering special abilities, or unlocking new scoring opportunities. At the end of each round, a global animal ability activates for all players, creating strategic moments where you can plan ahead to maximize its effects. The animeeples bring your tableau to life, interacting with the flora and terrain you've cultivated, from the burrowing pocket gopher to the soaring golden eagle. Each animal offers a unique experience, challenging you to adapt your strategy to make the most of their potential. With pattern building, hand management, and contract mechanics, Animal Kingdom is a must-have expansion for anyone looking to explore more of Earth's world.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to play Animal Kingdom?
Yes, Animal Kingdom is an expansion and requires the base game Earth to play.

### How many players can play with the expansion?
Animal Kingdom supports 1 to 6 players, just like the base game.

### How long does a game with the expansion take?
Playtime can vary, but it typically ranges from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.

### Does the expansion add a lot of complexity to the game?
Yes, the animals introduce new abilities and interactions, which can increase complexity, especially for new players.

### Are the animeeples made of plastic or wood?
The animeeples are wooden pieces, matching the quality of the base game components.

### Can I mix Animal Kingdom with other Earth expansions?
Yes, the expansion is designed to be compatible with other expansions, though it may further increase complexity.

### Is it worth it for solo players?
Yes, the solo mode benefits greatly from the variety of animals and their unique abilities, enhancing replayability.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 36.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6972588&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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