The Wolves

Pandasaurus Games, 999 Games, Boardgame Mall · Board game · 2022
2–5 · best 3 75 min Weight 2.8/5
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
How to Play Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy area control games with a strong animal theme and a tactical twist in action management, The Wolves will hook you! It's a territory dispute with a tile-flipping mechanic that makes you think ahead.

Highlights
  • Thematic area control
  • Clever action mechanic
  • Player interaction
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Can have some 'take that'
  • Initial learning curve
  • Strategy dependent
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to howl at the moon! In The Wolves, you take on the role of a wolf leader, commanding your pack in a fierce struggle for territory and dominance. The goal is straightforward: build the strongest and most influential pack by hunting prey and expanding your control over the hexagonal map. But beware, the wild is unforgiving, and your rival wolves won't make things easy. Luring members of opposing packs to your side is a valid tactic, so keep an eye on who's lurking nearby.

The game shines with an ingenious action-selection mechanism. Each move involves flipping terrain tiles, and the actions you take today shape the options available to you tomorrow. This naturalist's chess match adds an interesting tactical layer, as you need to think not only about the present but also about how to set the stage for future rounds. As your pack grows and conquers new areas, you can also upgrade your wolves' attributes, unlocking more powerful and aggressive abilities. Three mid-game scoring phases keep the tension high, assessing who dominates each region. In the end, points accumulated from hunts and territorial conquests will determine the supreme alpha wolf. It's an immersive experience that captures the essence of the fight for survival and power in the wild.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Wolves Category: Combinatorial Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Organizations: Game Designers of North Carolina Theme: Biology Theme: Nature
Publisher Pandasaurus Games, 999 Games, Boardgame Mall, BoardGamePlanet, Evrikus, Games7Days, Gigamic, Giochi Uniti, Hachette Boardgames Benelux, MEBO Games, MINDOK, Portal Games, Skellig Games, Vagabund
Designer Ashwin Kamath, Clarence Simpson
Artist Pauliina Linjama

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for The Wolves?
The game typically takes around 75 minutes to play, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can play The Wolves?
It is designed for 2 to 5 players, offering a different experience with each group size.
What is the complexity level of The Wolves?
With a medium weight of 2.82/5 on BGG, it's considered a game with accessible rules but enough strategic depth to keep players engaged.
Does the game have a lot of interaction or is it more 'multiplayer solitaire'?
There's a good amount of interaction, especially with the 'Take That' mechanic where you can influence opponents' plans and compete directly for areas.
Is the game setup time-consuming?
Setup involves assembling the modular board and placing initial pieces, which can take a few minutes, but the 'Variable Set-up' mechanic ensures each game is unique.
Who is The Wolves most recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy area control games with an animal theme and an action mechanic that requires both short-term and long-term planning.

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