The Ugly Five

The Ugly Five

MNKY Entertainment · Board game · 2026
2–6 40–50 min
rating Ludopedia
rating BGG
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rating Ludopedia
rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for players who enjoy thematic games with humor and approachable strategy—an ode to nature's underdogs.

Highlights
  • Hilarious art that owns the ugly
  • Simple mechanics for quick play
  • Fresh theme executed well
  • Great for casual gamers
Keep in mind
  • Might lack depth for experts
  • Too luck-driven for some
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Everyone knows the Big Five, but have you met their... let's say, less photogenic cousins? In The Ugly Five, you'll manage a decidedly unglamorous crew: a wildebeest, hyena, marabou, vulture, and warthog. Your mission? Prove beauty is in the eye of the cardholder! Guide your misfit animals through diverse landscapes—mountains, savannas, forests—as they search for acceptance (and maybe a flattering mirror). The game blends light strategy with generous doses of humor as you compete to turn these ugly ducklings into swans... or at least slightly less terrifying creatures. Watch out for other players trying to pass off their pet monsters as the most charming ones around. Get ready to laugh at the artwork, root for the underdogs, and discover even a warthog can be lovable... if you squint hard enough.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Admin: Upcoming Releases
Publisher MNKY Entertainment
Designer Arjan van Houwelingen, Robert Brouwer

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Best player count?
Works great with 3-5. With 2 it's more relaxed, with 6 there might be some downtime.
Kid-friendly?
Yes! Ages 8+ if they like animals (even ugly ones). Rules are straightforward.
Is it luck-heavy?
Some card randomness, but you can strategize with animal movements.
Actual playtime?
About 40 mins once everyone knows the rules. First games might take 1h.
Are expansions needed?
Base game feels complete, but we'd never say no to more 'ugly' creatures!