Outdoor Survival (1972) Board Game

Outdoor Survival is a classic board game released in 1972 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is a game that emphasizes adventure and exploration, where players must navigate through various terrains and face different challenges in order to survive. The game has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many players today.

Game Components of Outdoor Survival

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

Interlocking map boards representing 13,200 square miles of wilderness, divided into hexagons five kilometers across

Life Level Chart

Counters

Mapboard Movement Chart

Quick Play Rules and Rules of Play folded into one big sheet

Die (D6)

Scenarios and Wilderness Skills booklet

Top and Bottom Box Lids

AH Comment Card.

How To Setup Outdoor Survival

To set up the game, players first choose one of the five scenarios: “Lost,” “Survival,” “Search,” “Rescue,” and “Pursue.” Each scenario has slightly different rules and victory conditions. The interlocking map boards are arranged according to the scenario, and players place their counters on the starting hexes. The Life Level Chart is used to track food and water consumption, which affects the player’s movement speed. Players also need to have the Wilderness Skills booklet and the rules handy for reference[4%.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hex-Based Movement: Players move their counters across a hexagonal grid representing various terrains like woods, rough, desert, and swamp.

Resource Management: Players must manage their food and water levels, as these affect movement speed and survival.

Scenario-Based Objectives: Each scenario has unique goals, such as finding a way out of the woods, conducting a search and rescue operation, or navigating through challenging terrains.

Optional Rules: Additional rules can be included to add realism and complexity, such as handling starvation, thirst, weather, and fatigue.

Player Experience

Playing Outdoor Survival is an immersive experience that simulates the challenges of wilderness survival. Players must navigate through varied terrains, manage resources, and avoid natural hazards. The game is simple at its base but can be made more complex with optional rules. It has been described as feeling like a Boy Scout adventure, with its emphasis on wilderness skills and survival techniques.

Pros

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

Versatile Scenarios: Offers five different scenarios to cater to different levels of experience and objectives.

Historical Significance: Influenced the development of early Dungeons & Dragons, particularly in wilderness adventures.

Replayability: The combination of scenarios and optional rules ensures high replayability.

Cons

Complexity with Optional Rules: While the base game is simple, adding optional rules can make it more complex and less enjoyable for some players.

Outdated Mechanics: Some players find the mechanics less engaging compared to modern games.

Limited Action: The focus on survival and resource management might make the game less action-packed for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Outdoor Survival

Outdoor Survival is ideal for those who enjoy survival and adventure games, especially those interested in wilderness skills and historical RPG influences. It is a great addition for collectors of vintage board games and can be a fun, educational experience for scouts and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it may not appeal to players seeking high-action or highly complex gameplay mechanics. Despite its age, it remains a unique and engaging game that can add a new layer of realism to fantasy RPG campaigns.

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