Backpacker (2004) Board Game

Backpacker is a popular board game released in 2004 by Wild Card Games. It is a card game that revolves around the theme of traveling and exploring different destinations around the world. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players and has a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. With its travel-inspired gameplay, Backpacker has gained a loyal following among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Backpacker

Card Deck: Includes country cards, event cards, advice cards, and stopper cards.

Player Tokens: For tracking progress and photos collected.

Rule Book: Outlines the setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Backpacker

To set up Backpacker, shuffle the card deck and deal a starting hand to each player. Determine the number of “years” (rounds) to be played at the beginning of the game. Players sit around a table, as the game requires space to lay out cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Collect the most photos by visiting different countries and avoiding negative events.

Mechanics:

Card Drawing: Players draw cards to travel to new countries, receive advice, or encounter events.

Event Management: Manage events such as getting sick, missing planes, or running out of money.

Player Interaction: Influence other players’ collections negatively using certain cards.

Planning and Luck: Balance careful planning with the element of luck to succeed.

Player Experience

Backpacker offers a dynamic and addictive experience, mimicking the unpredictability of real-world travel. Players visit various countries, enjoy different activities like beaches, trekking, and wildlife, and interact with other travelers. The game is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck to win. It is suitable for players from around 7 years old and works best with 3-4 players.

Pros

Portable: Perfect for family holidays, gap years, or big trips due to its pocket-sized design.

Addictive Gameplay: Fast-changing and exciting, making it hard to put down.

Educational: Introduces players to different countries and cultures in a fun way.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules but with depth for strategic play.

High Replayability: No two games are ever the same.

Cons

Space Requirement: Needs a table to play, which might not be ideal for all travel situations.

Lengthening Cards: Some cards can prolong the game, which might not appeal to all players.

Luck Element: While strategy is key, luck also plays a significant role, which can be frustrating at times.

Personal Thoughts on Backpacker

Backpacker is an excellent choice for anyone who loves foreign travel, whether they are seasoned globetrotters or armchair travelers. It’s a great family game, suitable for a wide age range, and is ideal as a gift for students, teenagers, and travel enthusiasts. While it may not be perfectly suited for play during travel due to the space requirements, it’s a fantastic addition to any travel-inspired game collection or for family game nights.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.