Greetings, eco-minded board game enthusiasts! If you're a fan of Earth, that delightful open-world engine-building adventure where you construct your own island ecosystem, we've got a treat for you. Behold, a list of the top five board games that capture the spirit of Earth, perfect for those who can't get enough of nurturing flora, fauna, and funky terrain cards, or for those who simply can't get their green thumbs on a copy of Earth itself. These games will transport you to other lush realms and let you flex your strategic muscles, all while helping Mother Nature thrive. So, grab your reusable water bottle, compost those rulebooks you never read, and let's dive into a world of eco-friendly gaming delights!

5. Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis, designed by Hjalmar Hach, is a beautifully illustrated board game that lets players get in touch with their inner arborist as they grow a lush forest from the ground up. Players strategically plant and cultivate trees of various sizes to capture sunlight and cast shadows, all while vying for the most valuable spots on the board. By spending precious Light Points, players can purchase new trees, upgrade existing ones, or harvest mature trees for points. Photosynthesis is all about making the best use of limited resources, timing, and outgrowing the competition – but remember, you're not just playing for the trees, you're playing for the forest!

If your green thumb is itching for more after cultivating your unique island ecosystem in Earth, Photosynthesis will have you planting seeds of joy in no time. Both games share a nature-centric theme and the goal of creating a thriving environment, albeit on different scales. While Earth invites players to shape an entire island habitat with a variety of flora, fauna, and terrain, Photosynthesis narrows the focus down to the majestic world of trees. Fans of Earth's open-world engine-building mechanics will appreciate Photosynthesis' spatial strategy and resource management, as they work to grow the most verdant forest possible. So, put on your gardening gloves and immerse yourself in a world of sun, shade, and strategic forestry!

Buy Photosynthesis online now!

4. Spirit Island

Spirit Island, designed by R. Eric Reuss, is a cooperative board game that flips the classic colonizer narrative on its head. As powerful spirits defending your island from those pesky, invasive colonists, you and your fellow players will wield your elemental might to repel the intruders and protect the island's native inhabitants, the Dahan. Through a strategic combination of card play, area control, and careful cooperation, you'll harness your unique spirit powers and unleash a flurry of fear and destruction to save your precious island home from the encroaching settlers.

If you've been having a blast building your island ecosystem in Earth, then you might enjoy dabbling in the mystical realm of Spirit Island. While Earth focuses on creating an idyllic and harmonious environment, Spirit Island has you defending your island's natural beauty from those who seek to disrupt it. Both games share a strong bond with nature and the desire to create a thriving, vibrant ecosystem. Earth's fans, drawn to its open-world engine-building mechanics, will find a different yet equally engaging challenge in Spirit Island's cooperative gameplay, as they work together to preserve their island paradise. So, don your spirit mask and prepare to unleash some supernatural shenanigans – it's time to save your island home!

Buy Spirit Island cooperative game online now!

3. Wingspan

Wingspan is a game that's truly for the birds – but in the best way possible! Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, this feathery foray into avian antics has players don their metaphorical birdwatching caps and compete to attract the most magnificent beaked beauties to their wildlife reserves. With an innovative combination of engine-building and card-driven mechanics, players lay their cards strategically, all while keeping an eye on their opponents' flocks. Aspiring ornithologists will delight in the plethora of bird facts sprinkled throughout the game, turning this tabletop experience into an educational romp through the bird kingdom.

Now, if you're a fan of Earth, the open-world engine-building game about crafting your very own island ecosystem, you'll find plenty to love in Wingspan. Both games share a passion for the natural world, celebrating the wonders of flora, fauna, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. While Earth focuses on constructing an entire island habitat, Wingspan narrows its focus to the fascinating world of birds, allowing players to dive deeper into the lives and habits of these winged wonders. With their unique and engaging mechanics, as well as the charm of exploring the interconnectedness of nature, fans of Earth are sure to find Wingspan a soaring success in their gaming collection.

Buy Wingspan online now!

2. Everdell

Everdell, designed by James A. Wilson, whisks you away to a fantastical woodland realm where you'll have an un-be-leaf-able time managing resources, placing workers, and building a picturesque village for your furry, feathered, and scaly citizens. In this enchanting tableau-building game, players collect cards representing adorable critters and charming constructions, which they then strategically place in their growing village. Using a delightful blend of worker placement and hand management, you'll work to create the most prosperous and beautiful village in all of Everdell.

If the open-world engine-building game Earth leaves you craving more eco-friendly adventures, you'll find Everdell to be a real breath of fresh air. While Earth has you cultivating an island ecosystem with unique flora, fauna, and terrain cards, Everdell transports you to a lush woodland environment where you'll build a thriving village for your animal inhabitants. Both games share a strong connection to nature and a focus on creating harmonious ecosystems. Fans of Earth's immersive theme and strategic engine-building mechanics will find a similarly engaging experience in Everdell, as they delight in the richly detailed artwork and charming world-building. So, gather your critter pals and get ready for a woodland adventure you won't soon forget!

Buy Everdell (Third Edition) online now!

1. Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars is truly out of this world – pun intended! Designed by Jacob Fryxelius, this space-tacular game sends players to the Red Planet to compete for the greatest accomplishment in human history: making Mars habitable for future generations. Through an intricate blend of tile placement, resource management, and card drafting, aspiring space pioneers work diligently to raise Mars' temperature, create oceans, and cultivate lush forests. The end goal? To create a veritable Garden of Eden on this once-barren planet. Will you be the one to tip the cosmic scales in humanity's favor?

Now, you might be wondering, what does a game set on Mars have in common with Earth, the open-world engine-building game about nurturing an island ecosystem? Well, my interstellar friend, both games share a strong emphasis on the awe-inspiring power of nature, albeit in vastly different settings. Terraforming Mars and Earth both captivate players with their immersive themes and thoughtful mechanics, challenging them to create thriving environments out of seemingly inhospitable landscapes. If you find satisfaction in watching your island ecosystem flourish in Earth, you'll surely enjoy the cosmic challenge of bringing life to the Red Planet in Terraforming Mars. Strap on your space helmet and get ready to cultivate the final frontier!

Buy Terraforming Mars online now!