When I first heard about Wyrmspan, my curiosity was piqued. It’s a game that’s spawned a thousand “SomethingSpan” memes. A game that combines strategic depth with the allure of dragons? Count me in. Designed by Connie Vogelmann and published by Stonemaier Games, Wyrmspan invites players into the role of amateur dracologists, excavating hidden labyrinths to create sanctuaries for these majestic creatures.
Key Information:
- Publisher: Stonemaier Games
- Designer: Connie Vogelmann
- Players: 1-5
- Playtime: Approximately 90 minutes
- Game Type: Engine-building, strategy
How to Play Wyrmspan
In Wyrmspan, each player starts with a sanctuary comprising three excavated spaces: the Crimson Cavern, Golden Grotto, and Amethyst Abyss. Throughout the game, you’ll excavate additional spaces and entice dragons to reside in them, chaining together powerful abilities to earn the favor of the Dragon Guild. The objective is to build the most impressive sanctuary, attracting a diverse array of dragons to score points.
Comparing Wyrmspan to Wingspan and Finspan
It’s impossible to discuss Wyrmspan without mentioning its spiritual predecessor, Wingspan. While Wingspan focuses on attracting birds to habitats, Wyrmspan elevates the complexity by introducing dragons and sanctuary-building mechanics. Finspan, on the other hand, takes players underwater, focusing on marine life and habitats. Each game offers a unique thematic experience, but Wyrmspan stands out with its intricate sanctuary-building and dragon-attracting strategies.
Wyrmspan Components:
The game is rich with high-quality components, including:
- 183 dragon cards
- 75 cave cards
- 55 speckled egg tokens
- 45 shiny cardboard coins
- 5 player mats
- Adventurer meeples and guild tokens
Each component is thoughtfully designed to enhance the immersive experience of building a dragon sanctuary.
Playing Wyrmspan at Different Player Counts
Wyrmspan scales well across its 1-5 player range. Solo players can engage with a dedicated Automa mode, offering a challenging experience without the need for additional participants. With multiple players, the game maintains a balance between strategic depth and interaction, ensuring that each session is engaging regardless of the number of players.
Expansions and Variants
As of now, there are no official expansions for Wyrmspan. However, the game’s depth and replayability provide ample content for numerous playthroughs.
Similar Games to Wyrmspan
If Wyrmspan intrigues you, you might also enjoy:
- Everdell: A game where players build and expand a city within a forest, focusing on resource management and worker placement.
- Terraforming Mars: Players work to develop Mars by playing project cards, managing resources, and competing for milestones.
- Scythe: Set in an alternate-history 1920s, this game combines resource management, area control, and engine-building mechanics.
Each of these games offers a unique blend of strategy and thematic immersion, much like Wyrmspan.
Conclusion
Wyrmspan is a captivating addition to the world of tabletop gaming, offering a rich thematic experience combined with strategic depth. Whether you’re a fan of dragons or an enthusiast of engine-building games, Wyrmspan provides an engaging and rewarding experience that’s sure to become a staple in any game collection.