If you enjoy a beautifully illustrated, engaging, and versatile card game to play with a partner, add Ecologies card game by Montrose Biology to your game shelf. This game takes inspiration from popular titles like Settlers of Catan, Agricola, and Dominion, and features beautiful vintage Victorian art. Designed for 1-6 players, but with a few modifications, it has quickly become one of our favorite two-player card games.
How to Play Ecologies Card Game
The game play involves using science to build food webs of plants and animals and protecting them against interference from your opponent while collecting enough to reach 12 victory points. Rooted in authentic science, the game is designed to teach biology students real scientific concepts through engaging play. The most unique aspect of the game is the charming and intricate artwork; some of our favorite illustrations include the grasshopper card’s emerald geometrics and the watercolor-like macroalgae card, while the grimacing arctic wolf and chubby-cheeked lemming provide a good laugh.
Despite its simplicity—easy to learn with straightforward steps each turn—the game unfolds differently each time, ensuring that every session feels fresh and unique after months of play. You can expect some games to be quick, wrapping up in about 20 minutes, while others might stretch up to 45 minutes, especially with interference and sabotage afoot. Players must also maintain food webs to ensure their ecosystems thrive.
The healthy biome bonuses, achieved when a full food web is built, add an interesting twist to the strategy. For example, the coniferous biome’s +4 victory points can often seal the deal for one player, while the desert biome offers valuable protection against powerful “Biotic factor” and “Abiotic factor” cards. Speaking of these cards, they are indeed game-changers—the infamous “Sunlight blocked by ash” card, for instance, can devastate an opponent’s strategy by destroying a producer card, the foundation of their biome, potentially costing them 3-5 points and a healthy biome.
The points system is based on ecological trophic levels, with organisms at higher levels yielding more points. The goal is to accumulate 12 victory points by creating and maintaining healthy food webs in different biomes, with different organisms giving different points.
A couple weaknesses (and a solution)
While scoring can be a bit cumbersome due to the fractional point system, we found a great solution on Etsy—a printable, reusable scorecard that makes tracking points for both you and your opponent much simpler. This tool has been a game-changer for us, streamlining the process and letting us focus more on building our biome food chains.
We love Montrose Biology’s approach to customization—the game instructions encourage players to make modifications to suit their play style. We’ve made a few permanent tweaks ourselves, like adjusting the purchase ratio of unwanted cards to new ones from 4:1 to 3:1, making the risk of purchasing less daunting, and allowing trades at any point during a player’s turn. This trade mechanic similar to Catan, where players exchange based on individual needs, adds a strategic layer to the game. We also experimented with playing three cards each turn instead of two to overcome occasional games where players collect a large hand before drawing a biome card.
Expansions
The success of Ecologies by Montrose Biology has paved the way for intriguing expansions and alternate versions, enhancing its replayability and depth. Two particularly notable expansions are “Bizarre Biomes” and “Hidden Habitats.”
“Bizarre Biomes” takes players into the most unusual and extreme environments on Earth. This expansion introduces cards representing unique flora and fauna from places like deep-sea hydrothermal vents, arid deserts, and otherworldly caves. The inclusion of these exotic elements adds complexity and novelty to the gameplay, as players must adapt to the extreme conditions and unusual interdependencies that define these biomes. The distinct challenges posed by these environments test players’ adaptability and strategic thinking.
“Hidden Habitats” explores the often-overlooked and secretive corners of the natural world. This expansion brings to light the creatures and plants that thrive in shadowy forests, underground burrows, and other concealed ecosystems. The new cards introduce elements of stealth and camouflage, requiring players to think creatively about survival and interaction within these hidden realms. The expansion also emphasizes the delicate balance of these ecosystems, making players more aware of the subtle interconnections that sustain them.
Both expansions maintain the core principles of Ecologies while introducing fresh mechanics and challenges, ensuring that there’s always something new to explore. Whether navigating the strange conditions of bizarre biomes or uncovering the secrets of hidden habitats, these additions provide endless opportunities for strategic planning and enjoyment.
Kids Version
Recognizing the educational potential of Ecologies, Montrose Biology has developed a special kids version designed to be both informative and entertaining for younger players. This version simplifies some of the more complex game mechanics while emphasizing the core concepts of ecological balance and environmental stewardship. The artwork remains as captivating as ever, but with a touch of whimsy to appeal to children. The cards in the kids version often feature fun facts about the animals and plants depicted, providing an engaging learning experience.
The kids version also introduces easier-to-understand biomes and streamlined scoring systems, making the game accessible to children as young as six years old. Parents and educators can use this version to teach essential ecological principles like food chains, habitats, and the impacts of various environmental factors in a fun, interactive way. With shorter playtimes and gentle cooperative elements, the kids version of Ecologies is perfect for family game nights or classroom activities. This adaptation ensures that players of all ages can enjoy and learn from the captivating world of Ecologies.
Final thoughts: Bring this to your next game night!
Overall, we highly recommend adding Ecologies to your collection of two-player card games. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for game nights or just a quick round in between tasks. The game is rooted in real science and is used in the classroom to teach real concepts to biology students. Whether you’re a fan of strategy, beautiful artwork, or simply enjoy spending quality time with a partner while playing games, this is definitely one to check out.
So grab your favorite beverage and get ready to explore the intricate world of Ecologies, where you’ll face off against your opponent in a battle of food webs and strategy. You won’t regret adding this unique and engaging card game to your collection. And who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about ecology along the way! Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the recommended age for playing Ecologies?
Ecologies is recommended for players aged 8 and up. The game mechanics are straightforward enough for younger players to grasp, but the strategy and educational content can engage players of all ages.
How many players can play the Ecologies card game?
Ecologies is designed for 1-6 players, making it versatile for solo play, small gatherings, or larger groups. With a few modifications, it also functions exceptionally well as a two-player game.
How long does a typical game last?
A typical game of Ecologies lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of players and the level of interference or sabotage during gameplay.
Is Ecologies educational?
Yes, Ecologies is not only a fun and strategic card game but also educational. Players use science to build food webs in seven unique biomes, learning about different biomes, food webs, and ecological interactions while playing. It’s an excellent tool for teaching ecological principles in an engaging way.
Are there any expansions available for Ecologies?
Yes, there are many expansions, but the most popular are Bizarre Biomes and Hidden Habitats.
Where can I purchase Ecologies?
Ecologies is available for purchase on Etsy through the Montrose Biology shop. You’ll find the game along with various helpful accessories, such as printable scorecards.
Is there a digital version of Ecologies?
Currently, there is no digital version of Ecologies. The game is best enjoyed as a physical card game, allowing players to appreciate the beautiful illustrations and engage in hands-on play.
Can the rules be customized?
Absolutely! Montrose Biology encourages players to modify the game to fit their play style. Whether it’s changing the purchase ratio, altering the number of cards played each turn, or adding your own house rules, the game is designed to be adaptable.
What should I do if I have questions about the game?
If you have any questions or need clarifications about the game, you can reach out directly to Montrose Biology through their Etsy shop. They are responsive and happy to assist with any inquiries.