Fauna (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fauna is a board game designed by Friedemann Friese and released in 2008 by HUCH! The game combines elements of trivia, betting, and bluffing, all centered around the theme of animals. With beautiful artwork by Peter Braun, Alexander Jung, and Volker Maas, Fauna has gained popularity for its educational value and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Fauna

Game board featuring a world map

Animal cards with hidden statistical information

Player cubes (up to six per player)

Card box

Rulebook

How To Setup Fauna

To set up Fauna, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding cubes. The player who owns the most exotic pet (or by another agreed method) becomes the starting player and receives the card box. Each player starts with a set of cubes, and the game board is placed in the middle of the playing area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: 45 minutes

Number of Players: 2-6

Age Range: 10+

Rounds: 6 rounds

Objective: Guess the weight, length, height, and tail length of animals, as well as their geographical locations.

Gameplay:
– Each round, a card is drawn showing an animal but hiding its statistical information.
– Players place their cubes on the map or on charts to guess the animal’s statistics.
– Scoring: 7 points for correct answers, 3 points for adjacent answers.
– Players can follow other players’ leads or make educated guesses.
– Cubes are lost for incorrect guesses but can be replenished from a pool.

Player Experience

Fauna is a game that balances trivia knowledge with strategic guessing. Players can make informed guesses based on the type of animal or follow the leads of other players. This dynamic makes the game inclusive and fun, as it doesn’t penalize those who aren’t trivia experts. The game is light, easy to teach, and plays quickly, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual game nights.

Pros

Inclusive: Allows players to use strategy and follow others’ leads.

Educational: Players learn about various animals and their statistics.

Fast-paced: The game is quick to set up and play through.

Fun and Light: Suitable for a wide range of players, including families.

Cons

Cube System: Losing cubes for incorrect guesses can disadvantage weaker players.

Limited Depth: Some players might find the gameplay too light or simple.

Personal Thoughts on Fauna

Fauna is perfect for those who enjoy light, fun, and educational trivia games. It’s an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a game that is easy to learn but still offers some depth. While it may not be ideal for hardcore trivia enthusiasts, it shines as a party game that encourages interaction and strategic thinking. If you’re looking for a similar experience with a broader scope, its sequel, Terra, which focuses on geography and landmarks, might also be worth exploring.

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.