Natera: New Beginning
Natera: New Beginning at your next game night?
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- Designer Eric Fugere , Hugo Tremblay-Ledoux
- Publisher Horizon Games , Skellig Games
- Illustration Marton Ádám Márton
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You lead a sentient animal tribe in a bright, post-human world, exploring and controlling four distinct areas, building settlements and unlocking tech upgrades. Play proceeds over four seasons; the tribe with the most venture points wins. Exploration cards and unique specialist cards provide varied strategies and tactical choices each game.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at hobby gamers and experts who enjoy Area Majority/Influence, Tech Trees and Worker Placement. With 1–4 players and about 120 minutes playtime, it requires time investment and benefits from prior experience with engine-building and drafting.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Area Majority/Influence for region control, Closed and Open Drafting for selecting exploration cards, and Worker Placement with different worker types. Tech Trees unlock powerful bonuses; Income and End Game Bonuses affect scoring, while Variable Player Powers and Variable Set-up enable asymmetric and replayable play.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Eric Fugere and Hugo Tremblay-Ledoux, Natera mixes Tech Trees, Area Control and Set Collection in an anthropomorphic sci‑fi theme. The inclusion of many specialist cards and both closed/open drafting paths gives varied strategic depth. The game features 3‑dimensional components and animeeples as part of its presentation.
Pro
- Asymmetric tribes through Variable Player Powers and unique specialists
- Robust engine-building via Tech Trees and Income/End Game Bonuses
- High variance from Closed/Open Drafting and Variable Set-up
- Includes Solo/solitaire rules for 1 player
Contra
- Long playtime (~120 minutes) demands time and focus
- Higher complexity; steeper learning curve for newcomers
Setting & atmosphere
Set in a bright post-human Natural Era where intelligent animal tribes compete over abandoned territories and human scientific remnants. The thematic focus on anthropomorphic animals is reflected in components and presentation.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on synergies between tech upgrades and income sources; use specialists to define clear roles rather than juggling all mechanics at once.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes Solo/Solitaire rules and supports 1–4 players.
How long does a game really take?
Estimated playtime is around 120 minutes; expect additional time for setup and learning.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with area control, worker placement and tech-tree mechanics is helpful; the game leans toward the hobby/enthusiast side.
How does this compare to similar games?
Natera combines Area Majority/Influence with a pronounced Tech Tree and asymmetric specialists, alongside Closed and Open Drafting.
Is this suitable for families?
Given the complexity and minimum age of 14+, it is better suited to experienced players than casual family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Tech Trees/Tech Tracks with Area Majority/Influence and numerous specialist cards is the game's standout mechanical feature.
Fazit
Good for players seeking a deeper, strategic gaming session with a solo option. Less suited to casual groups due to its complexity and length.
Natera: New Beginning at your next game night?
Add Natera: New Beginning to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Natera: New Beginning to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
