Wooly Whammoth (2019) Board Game

Wooly Whammoth is a humor-filled prehistoric board game released in 2019 by Smirk & Dagger Games. Designed by Rebecca Bleau and Nicholas Cravotta, with art by Culpeo Fox, the game takes players back to a time when woolly mammoths roamed the Earth. Players take on the roles of cavemen trying to outwit each other in a fast-paced and strategic game of hand management and simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Wooly Whammoth

Cards: Each player has an identical eight-card hand, with cards showing movement values and special abilities.

Modular Board: A two-piece board that elongates after each successful hunt, increasing the distance to the next mammoth.

Tokens: Meat tokens for scoring, and tokens for tracking player movement and tribe members.

Artwork: Fun and whimsical artwork, with thick, high-quality components.

How To Setup Wooly Whammoth

To set up the game, each player chooses a tribe and places their tribe members on the starting spaces on the board. Each player receives an identical eight-card hand. The game board is initially set up with the two-piece modular track, and the tar pits and other obstacles are placed according to the game’s setup rules. The objective is clear: be the first to collect six meat tokens or be the last tribe standing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Mechanics: Players play movement cards, and the total value determines how far all cave people move.

Charge Cards: Players can play Charge cards to make the mammoth rush towards the hunters.

Tar Pits: Players can fall into tar pits, causing their tribe members to perish.

Objective: Collect six meat tokens by successfully hunting mammoths or eliminate all opponents’ tribe members to win.

Player Experience

Playing Wooly Whammoth is a fun and tense experience. Each turn, players must guess their opponents’ moves to avoid getting trampled by the mammoth or falling into tar pits. The game requires strategic thinking and bluffing, as players need to balance their movements and card plays carefully. The extending board and increasing tar pits add a layer of complexity and danger to the game, making it engaging for all ages.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to gamers of all ages.

Light Strategy: A good mix of strategy and unknown elements keeps the game interesting.

Family-Friendly: The game’s theme and artwork are suitable for families.

Extending Board: The board’s elongation helps level the playing field and adds a new challenge each round.

Cons

Player Elimination: The game can end with player elimination, which might be disappointing for some players.

Sequential Card Resolution: Charge cards can be less effective due to the sequential resolution of cards.

Board Stability: The two-piece board can come apart, which is a minor but notable issue.

Personal Thoughts on Wooly Whammoth

Wooly Whammoth is a great game for families and casual gamers who enjoy light strategy and bluffing. While it may not offer the intensity of more complex games, it provides a fun and engaging experience with its unique mechanics and theme. It’s an excellent choice for younger players due to its simplicity and educational value in strategic thinking and risk management. However, for those seeking a more intense gaming experience, it might fall a bit short.

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.