Parks 1st edition vs Parks 2nd Edition

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The release of the second edition of PARKS has brought about several changes to the game’s mechanics, components, and overall structure. For those familiar with the first edition, including all expansions, here’s a detailed breakdown of what has changed and how these updates impact gameplay. Here is our Comparrison of Parks 1st edition vs Parks 2nd Edition

One of the biggest changes is the vastly differnet Art style on the artwork. I do like the new cards, they still look great but i can’t help but miss the 1st edition cards.

Core Gameplay Changes

  1. Fixed Trail Length – The trail remains the same length throughout the game instead of growing longer each season.
  2. Consistent Weather Pattern – Instead of being dictated by season cards, the weather now alternates between sun and water.
  3. New Trail Die – A die has been introduced, providing random benefits when landing on certain spaces.
  4. Shutterbug Badge Replaces Camera – Instead of passing the camera between players, the Shutterbug Badge is earned by visiting a designated location. Players can take additional photos with this badge.
  5. Photo Mechanics Overhauled – Photos always cost one resource, and the player with the most photos earns a bonus at the end of the game.
  6. Canteens as Tokens – Canteens are no longer cards but are instead represented as tokens that activate adjacent canteens when water is placed on them.
  7. Passion Cards Replace Year Cards – Passion cards introduce objectives that grant either an in-game benefit or an endgame scoring bonus once completed.
  8. Multiple Parks Can Be Visited Per Turn – Players are no longer limited to visiting just one park per action.
  9. New Gear Purchasing Mechanism – Players can buy a random gear card for 2 sun instead of only selecting from visible gear options.
  10. Trail End Mechanics Revised – The first player to take a specific action at the trail end gains a small bonus, such as a wildlife token or sun token.
  11. Campfire Rules Adjusted – Campfires now only relight at the end of a season, making movement more strategic.

Season and Scoring Adjustments

  1. Three Seasons Instead of Four – The game now consists of three seasons, each with an end-of-season goal instead of an ongoing effect.
  2. Season Bonuses Introduced – Instead of seasonal abilities, players gain bonuses based on specific conditions (e.g., the player with the most sun earns a benefit).
  3. Final Season Point Bonus – The last season rewards players with points rather than in-game benefits.

Component and Structural Updates

  1. Fewer Cards Across All Categories – The second edition includes fewer parks, gear, and canteen cards compared to the combined first edition with expansions.
  2. Updated Player Boards – New boards incorporate the 12-resource limit and play a role in the canteen activation system.
  3. Automa System for Solo Play – The solo mode now includes Ranger Teddy, a dedicated automa system for more structured solo play.
  4. Nightfall Expansion Elements Integrated – Campsites, previously an expansion feature, are now built into the base game with new tiles appearing each season.

Expansion-Specific Changes

  1. Wildlife Adjustments – The Bison mechanic and certain variants from PARKS: Wildlife are not included.
  2. Streamlined Nightfall Campsite System – The campsite board has been removed, and only three tents are available at all player counts.
  3. No Additional Year Cards – Unlike the first edition’s expansions, which allowed for more year card choices, the second edition limits Passion cards to a single one per player.

Final Thoughts

The second edition of PARKS makes several refinements, improving game flow and streamlining mechanics while incorporating features from expansions into the base game. While some long-time players may miss elements like the camera mechanic or variable season effects, the new version offers a more structured and accessible experience.

For those who own the first edition with all expansions, upgrading may not be necessary, but incorporating some of these changes into house rules could be a great way to refresh the gameplay experience.

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