Wingspan

Stonemaier Games, 999 Games, Angry Lion Games · Board game · 2019
1–5 · best 3 Solo 40–70 min Weight 2.5/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Wingspan is a delightful engine-building game perfect for anyone who enjoys strategic card play and a touch of nature. Its unique bird cards and beautiful presentation make it a standout experience.

Highlights
  • Beautiful art and unique bird cards
  • Engaging engine-building mechanics
  • Strategic habitat management
  • High replayability with varied birds
Keep in mind
  • Can feel a bit solitary
  • Luck of the draw can impact strategy
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of ornithology with Wingspan, a strategic, medium-weight board game that invites you to become a true bird enthusiast. Whether you're a researcher, bird watcher, ornithologist, or collector, your goal is to attract the most incredible birds to your wildlife preserves. Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and beautifully illustrated by Natalia Rojas and Ana Maria Martinez, this Stonemaier Games title stands out with its 180 unique bird cards, each boasting its own abilities and characteristics.

In Wingspan, you'll build a true engine, where each bird you play in one of your three habitats (forest, grassland, or wetland) triggers a chain of powerful effects. These habitats are the heart of your ecosystem, allowing you to collect food tokens using custom dice in a super cool dice tower, lay colorful eggs (with adorable miniatures!), and, of course, play more bird cards to expand your collection. With each round, your actions become more efficient, and the birds you attract work together to generate points and resources.

The game unfolds over four intense rounds, where every decision matters. In the end, the player with the most points, accumulated through birds, eggs, stored food, and end-game bonuses, is the big winner. And a cool detail: recent editions of the base game already include the 'Wingspan: Swift-Start Promo Pack,' so you can start playing with even more options! It's an engaging, competitive experience with an educational touch that makes you want to learn more about each bird.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Wingspan English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Animals: Birds Animals: Crows / Ravens / Magpies Animals: Ducks Animals: Eagles Animals: Geese Animals: Owls
Publisher Stonemaier Games, 999 Games, Angry Lion Games, Arclight Games, asmodee, Automa Factory
Designer Elizabeth Hargrave
Artist Ana Maria Martinez Jaramillo, Beth Sobel, Greg May, Natalia Rojas
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate, and how long does a game last?
Wingspan can be played by 1 to 5 players. A game typically takes between 40 and 70 minutes, depending on the number of participants and familiarity with the rules.
What is the complexity of the game?
It's considered a medium-weight game, with a complexity of 2.48/5 on BGG. It's accessible for more experienced beginners but offers depth for veteran players.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find hundreds of unique bird cards, colorful egg miniatures, food tokens, custom dice, player boards, a bird feeder dice tower, and the rulebook.
Is the game highly language dependent?
Yes, there's a fair amount of text on the bird cards, meaning a good translation or familiarity with English is helpful to fully grasp all the abilities and effects.
Who is Wingspan recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy engine-building games, nature themes, medium-weight strategies, and a visually appealing experience. Great for families and groups of friends looking for more than just a 'party game'.
Does Wingspan have a solo mode?
Yes! Wingspan offers a challenging solo mode where you compete against an Automa (a virtual opponent) to see who can achieve the highest score. It's a great way to practice or play when other players aren't available.
What are the expansions, and are they necessary?
Wingspan has several expansions (like Europe, Oceania, Asia) that add new birds, mechanics, and even game modes. They are not necessary to enjoy the base game but offer more variety and deepen the experience for existing fans.