Skogen (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Skogen, a board game released in 2017, is designed by Rickard Höök and features artwork by Ninja Print. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Educational, Environmental, and Territory Building, with a primary mechanism of Tile Placement. Skogen is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up, and has a runtime of approximately 60 minutes.

Game Components of Skogen

1 spelplan (game board)

6 spelpjäser (player pieces)

1 katastroftärning (catastrophe die)

1 regelhäfte (rulebook)

50 artbrickor (species cards)

47 elementbrickor (12 different elements)

3 tygpåsar (cloth bags)

6 skärmar (player screens)

18 actionkort (action cards)

19 livkort (life cards)

Expansion Bäck: 1 regelhäfte, 14 artbrickor, 8 elementbrickor (2 elements), 3 bäckbrickor (brook cards).

How To Setup Skogen

To set up Skogen, players start by placing the game board, which represents the Swedish forest. Each player chooses a set of player pieces and screens. The species cards, element cards, action cards, and life cards are shuffled and distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. The Expansion Bäck, if included, adds new species and elements to the game, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategic Placement: Players take turns placing species and environmental elements on the board to create a thriving forest ecosystem.

Habitat Creation: Players must ensure the right conditions for the species to live and thrive.

Resource Management: Managing the elements and species cards to optimize the ecosystem.

Catastrophe Management: Dealing with random events using the catastrophe die.

Objective: The player who creates the best forest ecosystem wins the game.

Player Experience

Skogen is designed to be easy to pick up but challenging to master, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The game takes approximately 60 minutes to play and supports 2-6 players. It is praised for its educational value, introducing players to the diverse flora and fauna of the Swedish forest in an engaging way. The game’s design, inspired by old school posters and educational books, adds a nostalgic and visually appealing touch.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches players about various species and their habitats.

Strategic Depth: Offers a balance of simplicity and complexity, appealing to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults.

Visually Appealing: Unique and nostalgic design inspired by old school posters and educational books.

Expansion Available: The Expansion Bäck adds new content, enhancing gameplay and replayability.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: While the game is family-friendly, younger players might find some of the strategic elements challenging.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can take some time due to the numerous components.

Luck Element: The catastrophe die introduces an element of luck, which might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Skogen

Skogen is perfect for families, biology enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a game that combines education with fun. It is ideal for those who enjoy strategic gameplay but also appreciate the beauty of nature. The game’s ability to educate players about the diversity of the Swedish forest while providing an engaging experience makes it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that’s both challenging and enjoyable, Skogen is definitely worth considering.

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.