Outdoor Survival (1972) – Board Game Guys

Outdoor Survival

Outdoor Survival is a board game published by Avalon Hill in 1972. It was designed by Jim Dunnigan and comes with three full-color interlocking, folding maps, some cards, and rules. The game is a hex-based board game played on three interlocking maps. The game became one of Avalon Hill’s perennial bestsellers, with its success largely dependent on sales in outdoor gear stores, rather than traditional board game outlets. Gary Gygax made use of Outdoor Survival in Dungeons & Dragons, even listing the game on the “Equipment” list in Volume I of the original 1974 edition of Dungeons & Dragons.

Why is Outdoor Survival Popular?

Outdoor Survival is significant because it was used by Gary Gygax in Dungeons & Dragons and was listed on the “Equipment” list in Volume I of the original 1974 edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The game became one of Avalon Hill’s perennial bestsellers, with its success largely dependent on sales in outdoor gear stores, rather than traditional board game outlets.

Game Components of Outdoor Survival

Three full-color interlocking, folding maps representing 13,200 square miles of wilderness

A 24-page booklet titled “A Primer about Wilderness Skills for Players of the Game”

Game rules

Cards

Counters for tracking life levels

A D6 die

Mapboard movement chart

Life level chart

Scenarios for different game modes (Lost, Survival, Search, Rescue, and Pursue).

How To Setup Outdoor Survival

To set up the game, players first assemble the three interlocking maps, which form a large hexagonal grid representing various terrain types such as woods, rough, desert, and swamp. Each hexagon is five kilometers (three miles) across. Players then choose one of the five scenarios and follow the specific setup instructions for that scenario, which includes distributing the necessary components and setting the initial life levels for the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex-Based Movement: Players navigate through a hexagonal grid, each hex representing different terrain.

Life Level Tracking: Players keep track of their food and water consumption, which affects their movement speed.

Scenario-Based Play: Five different scenarios with unique rules and victory conditions (Lost, Survival, Search, Rescue, and Pursue).

Survival Mechanics: Players must manage resources (food, water) and avoid natural hazards to survive.

Optional Rules: Additional rules can be added to increase realism and complexity.

Player Experience

Playing Outdoor Survival feels like a simulation of real wilderness survival. Players take on the roles of hikers or rescue teams, navigating through challenging terrain to achieve their objectives. The game is simple at its core but can become more complex with the addition of optional rules. It includes a practical primer on wilderness skills, making it both educational and entertaining. The game’s difficulty and realism can make it a compelling experience, especially for those interested in outdoor survival or role-playing games.

Pros

Educational Value: Includes a comprehensive primer on wilderness survival skills.

Realistic Mechanics: Simulates real-world survival challenges like resource management and terrain navigation.

Versatile Scenarios: Offers multiple scenarios to keep gameplay diverse.

Historical Significance: Influenced early Dungeons & Dragons gameplay, particularly in wilderness adventures.

Cons

Complexity: Can become overly complex with the addition of optional rules.

Limited Appeal: May not appeal to players seeking more action-oriented or less realistic gameplay.

Availability: As a vintage game, it can be difficult to find and may be expensive.

Personal Thoughts on Outdoor Survival

Outdoor Survival is ideal for those who enjoy survival and adventure games, as well as fans of early Dungeons & Dragons. It provides a unique blend of educational content and engaging gameplay, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, its complexity and focus on realism may not suit all players, particularly those looking for faster-paced or more fantasy-oriented experiences. For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage games, Outdoor Survival is a valuable find that offers a glimpse into the early days of role-playing and survival gaming.

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