Evolution: The Beginning

Gameland 游戏大陆, North Star Games, LLC, Rightgames RBG SIA · Board game · 2016

6.8 Ludopedia 6.6 BGG 2–5 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.8/5

Buy · from US$ 19.99

6.8 rating Ludopedia

6.6 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 19.99

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

If you dig the idea of evolving critters to survive a harsh world, this game is for you! It's quick, has a super cool animal theme, and won't leave you tearing your hair out with complicated rules.

Highlights

Fast and fun evolution
Captivating animal theme
Accessible strategy
Great for two players

Keep in mind

Might lack depth
Luck of the draw
Less complex than others

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an evolutionary adventure in Evolution: The Beginning! In this game, you'll guide your species through a highly competitive ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk around every corner. The trick is to develop your creatures with the right traits to survive and thrive. Imagine giving them wings to escape danger, horns to defend themselves, or a long neck to reach that tasty morsel no one else can! With hundreds of possible combinations, each game is a new story of survival, ensuring the gameplay never gets repetitive.

Evolution: The Beginning draws inspiration from other games in the Evolution line but is a complete, standalone experience, with no component mixing. It brings the essence of evolution in a more accessible and quicker way, perfect for those who want something lighter without sacrificing strategy. It's a great pick for two players, where the competition becomes even more intense and decisions carry more weight. If you enjoy card games with a touch of simulation and a prehistoric animal theme, you'll have fun creating your unique species and watching it adapt to dominate the world (or at least the board!).

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players

2 BEST

3 REC

4 REC

5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Gameland 游戏大陆, North Star Games, LLC, Rightgames RBG SIA, Schmidt Spiele, TWOPLUS Games

Designer Dominic Crapuchettes

Artist Ben Goldman, Catherine Hamilton

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

6,109owners

391wishlist

36want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

How long does a game take?

A game of Evolution: The Beginning usually takes around 30 minutes, making it quite fast-paced for its theme.

How many players can join?

The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, but it shines particularly well in a two-player experience.

Is it a difficult game to learn?

No, it's considered one of the more casual entries in the Evolution series. The rules are easy to grasp, ideal for beginners or those seeking a lighter game.

What do I do in the game?

You'll manage cards to develop species with traits that help them get food and defend against predators in a dynamic ecosystem.

Do I need to have played other Evolution games to understand this one?

Not at all! Evolution: The Beginning is a standalone game and works perfectly on its own.

Is this game more about luck or strategy?

It strikes a nice balance between the two. Managing your hand of cards is crucial, but luck in the draw can also play a role.