First Giants: Fossils are Roar-some!
Long before cities, castles, and complicated tax systems, there were giant creatures living in untamed lands. In First Giants, you are a paleontologist collecting the most beautiful fossils to display at your museum. Choose which specimens to study. Every fossil brings its own unique ability to the table. Slowly, your collection starts to take shape, and you’ll probably grow a little attached to your favorite discoveries along the way. But eventually, the museum wants results.
To score points, you’ll need to put your fossils on display. Sounds great… until you realize that once they’re exhibited, their special abilities are lost for good. Every decision becomes tricky. Do you proudly showcase that powerful fossil now, or keep it in your lab a few more turns to squeeze every last benefit out of it? Push your luck for too long, however, and another player might beat you to important scoring opportunities.
On your turn, place a marker at a dig site and apply the card’s effect. You can also reclaim a marker to gain amber or display a fossil by spending amber and score points when you expand your fossil set. The game ends when a player takes the last Set token from the supply or when the deck is empty after a player refills a Dig Site.
Are you ready to create the most prestigious exhibition with dinosaurs, flying reptiles, and giant mammals? So, take out your brush, embrace your inner Dr Alan Grant and dig in:
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=firstgiants
We would like to thank Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert, the game designers, and Space Cowboys, the publisher, for the opportunity to experience this prehistoric journey online. We would also like to thank darhf and BoucleMed for bringing the giants to life on BGA.
This was your Friday release.
A perfect day to be collecting Giants! Take care and play fair…
Emberleaf: Groot Expectations
You are a brave Emberling and your mission is to rebuild your home in the heart of an ancient forest. Tiny houses rise among the trees, shops appear along winding paths, and every carefully placed tile helps transform the wilderness into a bustling little haven.
Emberleaf manages to balance relaxation and strategy. One moment you’re admiring your cozy woodland bakery, and the next you’re calculating the ideal combo chain like you’re solving a forest-themed chess problem.
The gameplay revolves around tile placement, resource management, and careful planning. Each turn, you and the other players expand the shared forest by placing terrain tiles and constructing buildings that score points in different ways. Some structures reward careful positioning, and others thrive on connections or surrounding terrain. Every decision matters, especially when others are competing for the same perfect spots.
To succeed, you’ll have to brave the wilds, hunt for resources and build a future for your kind. You’ll pick up heroes, some powerful allies, bringing unique skills to back you up. But don't get too comfortable: room is tight in the woods, and you aren’t the only Emberling to have plans for the forest.
Build wisely. Expand carefully. And remember: every great forest kingdom starts with one tiny treehouse. It is easy to jump into your first game while still giving experienced players plenty of room to optimize their leafy empire.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=emberleaf
We would like to thank James Tomblin and Frank West, the game designers, as well as The City of Games’ crew for letting us add their game to our platform. And let’s not forget Sir Heo, the developer who brought this cozy woodland adventure to BGA.
This was your Wednesday release.
Every decision you make shapes the destiny of your people, so take care and play fair...
Habitats: Welcome to the Jungle!
Your job is to build a wildlife park where animals can thrive in their natural environments, no cages, no fences. You want grassland for your Zebras, watery hideouts for crocodiles, and gorillas? They have very specific needs too. So do all 68 different animals ready to join your reserve.
Cozy on the surface, this game turns every turn into a satisfying puzzle. Move your ranger jeep around a shared market of tiles, choosing animals and terrain for your park. Animals will only score if their habitat requirements are met. An otter without water? A rhino stuck next to rocks? That’s an unhappy preserve right there. But fulfilling every animal's desire for land becomes a more and more difficult task with each tile you add.
As your park expands, so do your opportunities. Aside from expanding your park with different landscape types, flora and animals, you can improve its profitability by building extra entrance roads, trek spots, and watchtowers.
Habitats is played over three years (not real ones, rest assured) and whoever best met their goals, once the number of turns shown on the Year Track are done, receives bonus points and guess what: whoever scores the most points at the end of the 3 years, wins the game.
So, once you have mastered the tutorial, build smart to keep your animals happy. And maybe don’t leave the crocodiles too close to the tourists.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=habitats
We would like to thank Corné van Moorsel, the game designer, as well as Allplay, the publisher, for giving us the opportunity to add their game to our platform. And thanks to harpwn for bringing this wonderful wildlife adventure to players around the world.
This was your Monday release.
If you do things right, otters might hold your hand to go to sleep, so take care and play fair…
Pyramis: Block to the Future
Pyramis might look innocent at first glance: just a handful of colored blocks and a shared space… But give it a turn or two and you’ll realize it’s more about outmaneuvering everyone at the table than just stacking cards.
The premise is disarmingly simple: you build a pyramid, placing colored blocks layer by layer. Every block (aka card) you add reshapes the possibilities, not just for you, but for everyone else. That perfect spot you’re eyeing? It might also be the one your opponent has been quietly planning around for the past three turns.
Your objective is straightforward: score more points than anyone else! The way you get there is where things become interesting. You’ll want to create clusters of matching colors, sneak your cards into high-value positions, and keep a careful eye on how the structure evolves. The pyramid doesn’t just grow upward; it tightens, narrows, and forces harder decisions as the game goes on.
On your turn, pick a block, place it according to the rules, and watch the consequences unfold immediately. Sometimes it’s satisfying. Sometimes it’s… educational. The game has a way of rewarding clever setups while ruthlessly exposing wishful thinking. There’s no dice to blame, no deck to curse; just your decisions, laid bare in bright, stackable form.
By the time the final block is placed, the pyramid tells the whole story: ambition, miscalculation, and the occasional moment of brilliance. And chances are, you’ll already be thinking about how you’d build it differently next time.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=pyramis
We would like to thank Joan Dufour, the game designer, and everyone at Subverti for allowing us to add their game to the platform. And a tip of the hat to GhOwOst for the BGA port.
This was your Friday release.
It’s all about climbing, in style… So take care, and play fair!
DNUP: Everything, Everywhere, All At Your Table!
Some games wait a few rounds before things get interesting, but DNUP gets right to it. From the very beginning, players are pulled into a fast-moving battle where every decision matters and every move can shake up the whole table.
Many games feel best with the “right” group size and lose their charm when the table is too small or too crowded. This is not the case here. With two players, it becomes a tight duel where every move feels direct and every decision puts pressure on your opponent. With three to five players, the game opens up into a lively battlefield of shifting opportunities, sudden reversals, and constant interaction.
That interaction is where the game truly comes alive. Every move counts for everyone; one smart play can shift the pace or disrupt a strategy, forcing everyone to rethink their next step. This eliminates downtime and keeps the momentum building from start to finish.
The experience is defined by constant shifts. No one stays in the lead for long, so you must always be ready to change your plan. You might feel comfortable one moment and find yourself scrambling to adapt the next. These unpredictable swings ensure everyone stays engaged and ready for the next surprise.
DNUP proves that you don’t need complicated rules to create big moments. Once you get acquainted with the tutorial, you’ll want to jump right in, and then immediately back in for another round, and another round, and another…
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=dnup
Our thanks go to Kei Kajino, the game designer, and asmodee for allowing us to host the game on the platform. And we want to take this opportunity to thank tchobello for the BGA version.
This was your Wednesday release.
You can dnup everywhere, during vacations or after work. It's always dnup-time! Take care and have fun...
Spooky Tower: Who You Gonna Snap?
Climbing a tower sounds simple enough... until the tower starts fighting back. For centuries, a powerful amulet has kept ghosts prisoner in the old clock tower. The amulet shattered, and the only way to trap ghosts is by taking photos of them. Capture hidden ghosts, or mend the amulet to restore the protection spell and save the town from terror!
In Spooky Tower, players race to guide their pieces to the top, but getting there is never as easy as it looks. What starts as a straightforward climb quickly turns into a tense battle of timing, risk, and trying not to watch your plans crumble just when victory seems within reach.
Every turn asks the same question: do you push forward, or do you play it safe? Moving quickly can put you in the lead, but it can also leave you exposed when the tower throws an unexpected twist your way. Hang back for too long, and another player may rush past while you wait for the perfect moment.
Fortunes can change quickly: a player who seems unstoppable can suddenly lose their advantage, while someone trailing behind finds the perfect chance to climb back into the race. It keeps everyone engaged because no lead ever feels truly safe, and no player is ever really out of the running.
The spooky theme gives the game a playful atmosphere without ever slowing down the action. It’s competitive, unpredictable, and full of those moments where everyone around the table reacts at once, whether it’s cheering, groaning, or laughing at an unexpected reversal.
Spooky Tower turns a simple race to the top into a lively contest full of suspense and surprises. Have a look at the tutorial, and if you think you’ve got the nerve to keep climbing when the pressure rises, the tower is waiting.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=spookytower
We would like to thank Jonathan Favre-Godal and Corentin Lebrat, the game designers, as well as everyone at Repos Production, the publisher, for giving us the opportunity to add their game to our platform. A big shout out to tchobello and MathCT for their port to BGA.
This was your climbing Monday release.
What goes up does not always stay up, so take care and play fair...
Lorenzo il Magnifico: On Wednesdays, We Build Dynasties!
Forget the Kardashians. The real drama started in 15th-century Florence where powerful families compete for prestige, influence, and the chance to leave their mark on history.
In Lorenzo il Magnifico, you’re the head of a noble family in the heart of the Renaissance. It’s a world of high stakes, high art, and even higher expectations. Think of it as the ultimate game of "Succession," but with better outfits and more frescoes.
The vibe? Pure strategy. Every round, the dice determine how much "main character energy" your family members have. You’ll then need to decide: are you building a real estate empire, networking with the Renaissance "who’s who," or expanding your zip code into new territories?
Every decision matters: space is limited, and your rivals are not here to make friends. Plus, you can't exactly "ghost" the Church. If you don't pay your respects to the Pope, you’ll face a 1400s version of cancel culture (aka: some very nasty penalties). Success isn't about one lucky move; it’s about building an engine so efficient it would make Leonardo da Vinci jealous.
Ready to prove your name belongs in the history books? If you’re unsure, give the tutorial a go. Then, gather your family, roll the dice, and show Florence who’s actually " il Magnifico."
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=lorenzo
We would like to thank Flaminia Brasini, Virginio Gigli, and Simone Luciani, the game designers, along with Cranio Creations, the publisher, for bringing this game to players around the world. We would also like to thank sternenfahrer for developing it on BGA.
This was your Wednesday release.
The Renaissance rewards those who plan wisely, so stay sharp and play fair…
Cry Baby: Tears, Tricks, and Tactical Twists
Cry Baby might sound like a game about whining (which wouldn’t be much fun), but behind the playful name lies a clever trick-taking challenge full of tough choices, risky predictions, and just the right amount of drama.
In this colorful card game, you compete over four rounds of seven tricks, trying to predict exactly how many tricks you can win. Guess correctly, and the rewards are sweet. Miss your mark, and well… sometimes being a crybaby has its advantages.
Every card in your hand can be flipped, changing both its value and color before the round begins. That means your strategy starts before the first card is even played. Will you prepare for strong tricks, aim low to control the flow, or set yourself up for flexibility later?
Then comes the twist: at the end of each trick, the player with the lowest card becomes the “Cry Baby,” gaining a bonus that can help turn the tide. You might flip one of your remaining cards to improve your hand or simply take bonus points and dry your tears.
Cry Baby takes familiar trick-taking mechanics and adds a layer of tactical unpredictability. Every decision matters, from how you orient your hand to when you choose to “cry”, and the result is surprising reversals and satisfying mind games. So don’t be fooled by the tears, crying can be a winning strategy.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=crybaby
We would like to thank Frédéric Vuagnat, the game designer, as well as BLAM!, the publisher, for bringing this inventive trick-taking game to players everywhere. We also want to thank Moof for developing it on BGA.
This is your Monday release.
Sometimes the smartest move is to know exactly when to cry. Take care and play fair…
Love Letter: Deliver Your Heart (Carefully Folded)
In a quiet castle full of secrets, suspicion, and the occasional dramatic betrayal, there’s one goal that matters above all else: get your love letter into the Princess’s hands. Simple? Not even close.
Welcome to the new revisited version of Love Letter on BGA, the wonderfully sneaky card game where romance is risky, deduction is essential (unlike seduction), and your heartfelt message is constantly in danger of being intercepted, discarded, or, worst of all, thrown into the fire.
You don’t deliver your letter directly. That would be far too easy (and far too honest). Instead, you rely on a rotating cast of castle characters to carry your message. Each character has their own personality and ability: some help you gather information, some eliminate rivals, and some quietly ruin your plans while smiling politely.
Every card matters. Each decision reveals something. And every move sends signals to the other players whether you mean it or not. Some cards give you power and control, letting you knock others out of the round or peek at hidden information. Others are subtle, helping you stay under the radar while you quietly build your advantage.
Love Letter is not just about delivering a message. It’s about surviving the castle long enough to send it (and there is an easy way to learn that trick). And maybe, just maybe, winning the Princess’ heart along the way.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=loveletter
Thanks to Seiji Kanai, the game designer, and Z-Man Games, the publisher, for allowing us to have their game on BGA. And a huge thank you to Moof for putting so much heart into revisiting this now-classic title.
This was your Friday release.
Get ready to feel the love this weekend. Take care and play fair…
Spyworld: License to Bluff
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a secret agent, Spyworld lets you step into that role, no gadgets or danger required.
In this fast-paced card game, you compete as undercover spies, trying to complete missions while keeping your plans hidden from everyone else. Each turn, you gather cards, build toward your objectives, and look for the perfect moment to strike. But while you’re planning your next move, your opponents are doing the same, and they might just sabotage your mission before you get the chance.
That’s what makes Spyworld so exciting. It’s not just about the cards you have, but about reading the other players. Should you move quickly and reveal your strategy, or stay quiet and wait for the perfect moment?
Every round feels different because no one knows exactly what the others are planning. One minute you feel in control, and the next your mission is falling apart because another player outmaneuvered you.
With its mix of strategy, bluffing, and suspense, the game captures the tension of a secret mission in a fun and light-hearted way. It is full of dramatic twists that keep everyone engaged.
Spyworld delivers exactly what its name promises: a world of secrets, strategy, and intrigue.
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=spyworld
A special thank you goes to Frédéric Morard, the game designer, and to Don’t Panic Games, the publisher, for bringing the game to players around the world. We’d also like to thank Moof for making it possible to enjoy it on BGA.
This was your Wednesday release.
Just remember: the best spy is the one nobody sees coming. So take care and play fair…
