Dominant Species
- Designer Chad Jensen
- Publisher GMT Games , asmodee , Asterion Press , Banana Games , Board Game Rookie
- Illustration Bartek Jędrzejewski , Chad Jensen , Rodger B. MacGowan , Chechu Nieto , Eric Williams (I) , Tomek Zarucki
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play one of six broad animal classes (mammal, reptile, bird, amphibian, arachnid, insect) as the world moves into an Ice Age. Through action pawn placement and actions like speciation, migration and glaciation you alter terrain and vie for dominance on hex tiles. Large hexagonal tiles and smaller tundra tiles change the map dynamically as the game progresses toward its end condition.
Who Is This Game For?
A game for experienced and hobby strategy players: Dominant Species is strategic and lengthy (around 240 minutes). It suits groups that enjoy complex planning, area-control tactics and multi-step action resolution; newcomers will face a learning curve.
How It Works
Rounds have a Planning Phase where action pawns are placed on an action display and an Execution Phase where those actions trigger. Core mechanics include Action Drafting, Action Queue and Area Majority / Influence on a Hexagon Grid. End Game Bonuses and grid movement shape scoring until the Ice Age concludes the game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Chad Jensen, the game links a strong evolution theme with area-control mechanics. Dominant Species won Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game and Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2011, reflecting critical recognition. The modular hex map and tundra conversion provide a changing battlefield beyond standard majority games.
Awards
2011
- 2010 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2010 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Strong evolutionary theme (90,000 B.C.)
- Deep strategy via Action Drafting and Area Majority / Influence
- Dynamic map through hex tiles and tundra conversion
- Winner of multiple Golden Geek awards (2011)
Contra
- Very long playtime (~240 minutes)
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Potential downtime with larger player counts
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set around 90,000 B.C., players simulate life adapting to a coming Ice Age; the environment and species distribution evolve on a prehistoric map.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the Planning → Execution cycle and how influence in regions converts to scoring; try fewer players first to learn the flow.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is listed for 2–6 players; a solo mode is not indicated in the provided data.
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as about 240 minutes; allow additional time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Best for players familiar with area-control and multi-step action planning.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines area-control with action drafting and a changing hex map, offering a more dynamic world evolution than static majority games.
Is this suitable for families?
Given the 14+ age recommendation and complexity, it is generally not aimed at younger family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
Action Drafting paired with Area Majority / Influence on a Hexagon Grid is the defining mechanic set.
Fazit
If you like deep, thematic strategy sessions with long playtimes, Dominant Species delivers. It is less suitable for casual groups or short play sessions due to complexity and duration.
