Defenders of the Wild
- Designer Henry Audubon , T.L. Simons
- Publisher Outlandish Games , Alis Games , Broadway Toys LTD , GaGa Games , Geekach LLC
- Illustration Meg Lemieur , T.L. Simons
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Defenders of the Wild, players take on the role of animal resistance organizers fighting against a machine occupation. Together, they battle mechs, clear pollution, breach walls, and build camps to rewild factories. Cooperation is key despite factional differences, as players must coordinate actions on a modular board to stop the construction of a destructive machine core. The game challenges players to balance timing and location for their moves.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced hobbyists aged 14 and up who enjoy cooperative and tactical gameplay. With a playtime of about 120 minutes, it demands patience and strategic planning. Familiarity with deck construction and hand management mechanics is beneficial. A solo mode is included for single players seeking a complex challenge.
How It Works
Players use action points to perform various tasks on a modular board representing different habitats. They manage their hand and build their deck strategically (Deck Construction, Hand Management). Gaining majority control in key areas (Area Majority) is essential to outmaneuver the machine forces. Cooperation is required to build camps and infiltrate the machine core before the enemy completes its construction.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Henry Audubon and T.L. Simons, this game blends cooperative play, deck building, and area majority on a modular board. Its environmental protection theme with anthropomorphic animals sets it apart in the genre. It emphasizes teamwork against industrial encroachment, making it unique among cooperative strategy games.
Pro
- Intensive cooperative gameplay
- Combination of deck building, hand management, and area majority
- Modular board provides variability
- Strong environmental and animal theme
Contra
- Long playtime of about 120 minutes requires patience
- Complex mechanics demand prior experience
- Not suited for families with young children (14+ recommended)
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantasy world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, players defend their habitats against a machine occupation. The theme centers on environmental protection and fighting industrial pollution.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on coordinating player actions and managing your hand efficiently to help stop the machine invasion together.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Defenders of the Wild includes a solo mode for one player.
How long does a game really take?
The game typically lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with cooperative games and mechanics like deck building and hand management is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines cooperative deck building with area majority on a modular board and focuses heavily on environmental themes with animal characters.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and recommended age of 14+, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of action points, deck construction, and area majority on a modular board makes it unique.
Fazit
Defenders of the Wild offers a challenging cooperative experience for players who appreciate strategic deck building and teamwork. Its longer playtime suits those willing to engage in a deep, thematic game.







