Wingspan, designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and released by Stonemaier Games, has been a hit since its release in 2019. Unlike legacy board games that change irreversibly over campaigns, this game is replayable. Players become birds and bring birds into their reserves. Its combination of strategy, edutainment, and aesthetic appeal has managed to claim space on so many tabletops. The game’s popularity, coupled with its win of the 2019 Kennerspiel des Jahres, speaks volumes about its success.

How Wingspan Works

Initially, every player has a personal board with three habitats: wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Each habitat enables some actions, which drive the game engine-building mechanics. Points are achieved by building birds, eggs, and objectives over four rounds. Each decision affects your preserve’s progress, and it is a tactical one. For instance, determining when to play a bird versus when to acquire resources significantly impacts your strategy. The game is simple yet complex, making it both enjoyable and challenging.

Secondly, the player decides between four things on each turn:

• Forest: Play food cards to play birds.
• Grassland: Play eggs for score or a bird.
• Wetland: Draw a bird card and build potential.
• Play a Bird: Play a bird card into a habitat and play its power.

As a result, these moves form chains of consequences, rewarding thoughtful play. There are fewer actions, and tension ultimately makes every action significant. By this method of playing, players are engaged, weighing short-term value against long-term objectives.

The Art and Science of Birds

Furthermore, Wingspan’s theming and artwork make it all the more appealing. Each of the 170 bird cards, illustrated by Natalia Rojas and Ana Maria Martinez, has a cute, realistic illustration of a bird. The art captivates players so that each card is a delight to draw. Beyond appearances, the game learns through play. Hargrave’s experience causes bird abilities to mirror actual behaviors, such as hawks soaring through the air or geese flying in formation. This authenticity suspends the players in the subtlety of nature.

Furthermore, the add-ons bring a touch of elegance. Wooden custom dice, hand-painted miniature eggs, and a birdfeeder dice tower bring fantasy and weight. Together, these turn every session into a discovery tour of a fertile world of birds, delightful for both naturalists and strategists.

A Soaring Success

Since its release, Wingspan has been widely acclaimed. It was the 2019 Kennerspiel des Jahres winner, which called it a gem among challenging games. At BoardGameGeek, it also enjoys high rankings in strategy games, testifying to player interest.

It is widely acclaimed by critics for its innovative mechanics and seamless integration of theme, which they value for its ability to appeal to a diverse range of players. Commercially, the game has had multiple printings, with digital distribution on Steam and the App Store making it even more accessible.

Moreover, reviews from gamers resonate with its versatility. New players appreciate its simple rules, while experienced players enjoy its strategic depth. This balance made Wingspan a modern classic, appealing to both casual and competitive gamers.

Expansions and New Horizons

To maintain freshness in the experience, Stonemaier Games has undertaken expansion releases. The Asia, Oceania, and European expansions introduce new bird cards and mechanisms, diversifying gameplay. Each of the three emphasizes regional birds, thereby opening up the game to more scenarios. For example, the Oceania expansion introduces nectar as a resource, changing strategies. Such an expansion ensures replayability, making players adhere to their preferences.

In the future, a fourth expansion for 2026 is in the works, as talked about on Wingsplain. A follow-up, Finspan, also saw the light of day in January of 2025, delving into ocean ecosystems, according to Polygon. These are all indications of Stonemaier’s dedication to expanding the Wingspan franchise, catering to its fans.

Why Wingspan Lasts

Lastly, Wingspan is well-liked due to its meticulous design. Its depth in planning is what appeals to planners, and its educational nature satisfies curious minds. The game’s presentation invites players to indulge in nature’s wonders, calling on them to appreciate the natural surroundings they have around them. Whether one plays as an occasional gamer or a devoted strategic player, Wingspan gives an enjoyable experience. Its ability to balance competition with learning makes it exceptional among a dense field of hobbies.

Wingspan remains one of the leading examples of innovation. It shows that games can educate, instill, and unite players in the love for strategy and the natural world. To those who are yet to experience its bird-formed beauty, it is high time to join the flock at the table.