Dominant Species (2010) – Board Game Guys

Dominant Species

“Dominant Species” is a competitive, area control board game published in 2010, designed by Chad Jensen. The game is set in a fictional world where players take on the role of broad categories of life, such as mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, arachnids, and insects. The objective is to survive the elements, the growth and emergence of other species, and the upcoming Ice Age.

Why is Dominant Species Popular?

“Dominant Species” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– Evolutionary Conflict Theme: The game’s theme of evolutionary conflict and survival of the fittest resonates with players who enjoy strategic and competitive gameplay.
– Streamlined Game Mechanics: The game’s mechanics are easy to teach and understand, making it accessible to new players while still offering depth and strategy for experienced players.
– High-Quality Rulebook: The rulebook is highly regarded for its clarity and organization, setting a gold standard for the industry.
– Replayability: The game’s replayability stems from its variable setups, multiple strategies, and the ability to play with different player counts.

Game Components of Dominant Species

Game Board: A 22” x 34” mounted board.

Animal Displays: Six displays, one for each animal group (Mammal, Reptile, Bird, Amphibian, Arachnid, Insect).

Hexagonal Tiles: 31 large and 12 small tiles to create the Earth and Tundra.

Species Cubes: 330 wooden cubes in six colors representing the species of each animal group.

Action Pawns: 60 wooden cylinders for actions.

Domination Markers: 60 wooden cones for domination tracking.

Elements: 120 round markers representing resources (grass, grub, meat, seed, sun, water).

Initiative Markers: Six square markers for turn order.

Cards: 27 cards (1 Survival and 26 Dominance cards).

Cloth Bag: For drawing elements and other components.

How To Setup Dominant Species

To set up the game, start by placing the board face up in the center of the table. Each player selects or is assigned an animal display. Players then place their initiative markers in the initiative order (insects first, followed by arachnids, amphibians, etc.). The large hexagonal tiles are arranged to create the initial Earth landscape, and elements are placed on the tiles and animal displays to show resource supply and need.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Action Drafting, Action Queue, Area Majority / Influence, End Game Bonuses, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Map Addition, Take That, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers, Worker Placement.

Objective: Players aim to become the Dominant Species by accumulating the most victory points through spreading their species across the map, dominating terrain tiles, and adapting to the changing environment. The game ends when the Ice Age card is triggered, and the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

**Dominant Species** is a complex game that requires strategic thinking and adaptability. Players must balance short-term and long-term gains, read their opponents’ moves, and make tactical decisions to survive and thrive in the evolving ecosystem. The game is known for its dual control system, where players must manage both the population of their species and their domination of terrain tiles to access powerful cards and score points.

Pros

Depth and Complexity: Offers a rich and layered gameplay experience with multiple strategies and decisions to make.

Thematic Integration: The game mechanics and theme are well-integrated, making it feel immersive and thematic.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variability in tile placement, resource allocation, and player actions.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be challenging to learn due to its complex rules and multiple mechanics.

Playtime: Long playtime of 2-4 hours, which may not be suitable for all players.

Competition: Can be very competitive, which might not appeal to players looking for a more cooperative experience.

Personal Thoughts on Dominant Species

**Dominant Species** is a game tailored for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with deep thematic integration. It is ideal for players who appreciate the challenge of balancing multiple mechanics and adapting to a dynamic game environment. However, it may not be the best fit for new players or those looking for a quick, casual gaming experience. If you’re ready to dive into the intricate world of evolutionary conflict and Ice Age survival, **Dominant Species** is an excellent choice.

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.