Board Game Review: Wyrmspan

Welcome to Wyrmspan, the latest gem from Stonemaier Games. Imagine a magical realm where you're not just any dragon enthusiast—you’re the ultimate dracologist (yes, that’s a real word...probably). Your mission? To build the most enticing sanctuary for dragons, proving once and for all that your dragon whispering skills are top-notch.

Gameplay Overview 

In Wyrmspan, players start with a few excavated spaces in their sanctuary, each named like it was plucked from a high fantasy novel—Crimson Cavern, Golden Grotto, and Amethyst Abyss. Over four rounds, you'll take one action per turn. This might sound limiting, but trust me, when you're juggling dragon eggs and cave expansions, it's a blessing in disguise.

The primary actions include drawing dragon or cave cards, playing dragons into caves, and collecting resources. Each dragon has unique abilities that can turn the tide of the game. You’ll find yourself debating whether to prioritize dragons that activate with a roar (literally) or those that save their firepower for the grand finale.

Components and Setup 

Setting up Wyrmspan is like preparing for a mini dragon convention. You’ve got 183 dragon cards, 75 cave cards, 55 egg tokens, and more. Unpacking everything might take 30 minutes, especially if your toddler decides the eggs are the latest must-have toy.

The components are top-notch, with art so detailed you might find yourself wishing you could frame the cards. The dragon designs, especially the hatchlings, are adorable enough to make you forget they’d probably eat you if given a chance.

Who It's For 

Wyrmspan is perfect for 1-5 players, whether you're a solo player honing your dragon-taming skills or a group of friends ready to see who’s the true Dragon Master. It’s ideal for fans of Wingspan who are ready to take a step up in complexity and for anyone who enjoys games that combine strategy, resource management, and a bit of fantasy flair.

If Wyrmspan has you roaring with excitement, check out these other games:

• Wingspan: The avian precursor to Wyrmspan, where you’ll trade dragons for birds. It’s like going from owning a pet parrot to a pet dragon—both cool, but one definitely has more firepower.
• Everdell: A charming tableau-building game with a similar emphasis on creating efficient engines. Think of it as the woodland critters’ answer to dragon sanctuaries.
• Lost Ruins of Arnak: Combines deck-building and worker placement with an exploration theme. If you enjoy the thrill of discovering new cards and resources, this is your jam.

Final Thoughts 

Wyrmspan manages to take the beloved mechanics of Wingspan and crank them up to dragon level. It’s strategic, replayable, and beautifully made. Sure, the randomness of dragon draws might have you cursing your luck once in a while, but the variety of scoring strategies ensures that no single approach dominates the game.

Whether you’re a dragon aficionado or just someone looking for a new game night favorite, Wyrmspan is worth exploring. Just be prepared for your friends to insist on calling you “Mother of Dragons” (or Father, no judgments here) by the end of the night.

So grab your adventurer meeple, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to become the ultimate dracologist!