Exploration Games
Browse all Exploration board games in the Meeple Pulse database.
Styles
AbstractAbstract StrategyAdventureAge of ReasonAmerican WestAncientAnimalsAviation / FlightBluffingCard GameChildren's GameCity BuildingCivilizationCo-operativeCollectible ComponentsComic Book / StripCompetitiveDeductionDiceEconomicEducationalElectronicEnvironmentalEuroExpansion for Base-gameExplorationFamilyFan ExpansionFantasyFarmingFightingHistoricalHorrorHumorIndustry / ManufacturingMazeMedicalMedievalMedium HeavyMiniaturesModern WarfareMovies / TV / Radio themeMusicMythologyNapoleonicNauticalNegotiationNumberPartyParty GamePiratesPoliticalPost-NapoleonicPrehistoricPrint & PlayPuzzlePuzzle-LikeRacingReal-timeRenaissanceScience FictionSpace ExplorationSpies / Secret AgentsSportsStrategyTerritory BuildingThematicTrainsTransportationTravelTriviaVideo Game ThemeWargameWord GameWorld War II
Themes
AbstractAdventureAncientAnimalsArea ControlArtAviationBusinessCard GameCity BuildingCo-operativeCombatComic BookCompetitiveCooperativeCrimeEconomicEducationalEmergency ManagementEnvironmentalEnvironmentalismEspionageExplorationFantasyFarmingFightingHigh Player InteractionHistoricalHorrorHumorIndustry / ManufacturingIntrigueLiteraryMagicMarvelMedievalModernMuseumMusicMysteryMythologyNatureNauticalParty GamePoliticalPress Your LuckPuzzleRacingSatireSci-FiScience FictionSocial CommentarySocial InteractionSpaceSportsStrategySuperheroesThematicTravelWarWesternWord-Guessing
Mechanics
3D PlacementActingAction / DexterityAction DraftingAction Point AllowanceAction Point Allowance SystemAction Point SystemAction PointsAction ProgrammingAction QueueAction RetrievalAction SelectionAction/EventAdvantage TokenAlliancesAlternate ActivationApp-AssistedApp-DrivenArea ControlArea InfluenceArea MajorityArea Majority / InfluenceArea MovementArgumentationAsymmetricAsymmetric FactionsAsymmetric GameAsymmetric PowersAsymmetrical PowersAuction & BiddingAuction / BiddingAuction CompensationAuction/BiddingAuction: DutchAuction: Fixed PlacementAuction: Multiple LotAuction: Once AroundAuction: Sealed BidAuctioningAutomatic Resource GrowthBag BuildingBettingBetting and BluffingBetting and WageringBetting and WagersBiasBiddingBingoBlind BiddingBluffingCampaign / Battle Card DrivenCampaign / LegacyCampaign / Legacy GameCampaign / Mission-basedCampaign / ScenariosCampaign GameCampaign PlayCard DraftingCard DrawingCard DrivenCard Driven ActionCard Driven CombatCard Driven Dice AllocationCard Driven MovementCard ManagementCard PlayCard Play / Hand ManagementCard Play Conflict ResolutionCard SheddingCard-Driven MovementCharacter CreationCharacter ProgressionChit-Pull SystemClosed DraftingCo-op PlayCo-operative GameCo-operative PlayCode-breakingCombat ResolutionCombo ChainCommand CardsCommodity SpeculationCommunication LimitsConnectionsConstrained BiddingContract FulfillmentContractsCooperative GameCooperative GameplayCooperative PlayCooperative Trick-takingCritical Hits and FailuresDebateDeck BuildingDeck ConstructionDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingDeck-BuildingDeductionDelayed PurchaseDexterityDice DraftingDice DrivenDice PlacementDice RollingDie Icon ResolutionDiplomatic InfluenceDraftingDynamic Battle SystemEnclosureEnd Game BonusesEngine BuildingEngine-BuildingEscape RoomEvent DrivenEventsExplorationFarmingFlip and WriteFollowFollow ActionGrid CoverageGrid MovementHand ManagementHex-and-CounterHexagon GridHidden MovementHidden RolesI Cut You ChooseIncomeInfluence / Area MajorityInterruptsInvestmentKing of the HillLadder ClimbingLegacyLegacy ElementsLegacy GameLegacy SystemLimited CommunicationLine DrawingLine of SightLoansLose a TurnMancalaMap AdditionMap MovementMap ReductionMarketMarket DraftingMarket ManipulationMarket MechanicMarket SpeculationMatchingMeasurement MovementMelding and SplayingMemoryMission ObjectivesModular BoardModular Board ConstructionMove Through DeckMovement PointsMovement TemplatesMoving Multiple UnitsMulti-Use CardsMulti-use CardsMultiple ScenariosMust FollowNarrative ChoiceNarrative Choice / ParagraphNegotiationNegotiation MechanicsNeighbor ScopeNetwork & Route BuildingNetwork BuildingNetwork and Route BuildingOnce-Per-Game AbilitiesOne vs ManyOne vs. ManyOpen DraftingOrderingOwnershipPaper-and-PencilPartnershipsPattern BuildingPattern MovementPattern RecognitionPick-up and DeliverPlayer EliminationPlayer InteractionPlayer JudgePoint SaladPoint to Point MovementPolyominoesProgrammed MovementPush Your LuckPush-Your-LuckPuzzlePuzzle-LikePuzzle-SolvingRaceRe-rolling and LockingReal-TimeRecipe FulfillmentResource ManagementResource to MoveRole PlayingRole SelectionRoles with Asymmetric InformationRoll / Spin and MoveRondelRoute BuildingRoute-BuildingRoute/Network BuildingSanity SystemScenario / Campaign PlayScenario / Mission / Campaign GameScenario / Mission FunctionSecret Unit DeploymentSemi-Cooperative GameSet CollectionSheddingSimulationSimultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action SelectionSimultaneous Hidden AllocationSingingSlide / PushSocial DeductionSocial InteractionSolo / Solitaire GameSpace ExplorationSpellingSquare GridStat Check / Skill CheckStat Check ResolutionStock HoldingStorytellingStrategic PlanningTableau BuildingTactical Decision-MakingTagsTake ThatTargeted CluesTeam PlayTeam-Based GameTeam-Based GuessingTeamworkTech TreesTech Trees / Tech TracksTechnology & Armament TracksTechnology TreeTension & Aggression TracksTile DraftingTile LayingTile PlacementTime TrackTime TravelTower DefenseTrack MovementTradingTraitor GameTrick-takingTug of WarTurn Order: Claim ActionTurn Order: PassTurn Order: Pass OrderTurn Order: ProgressiveTurn Order: Stat-BasedTurn Order: Time TrackUnit PlacementVariable Phase OrderVariable Player PowersVariable Set-upVariable SetupVictory Point TracksVictory Points as a ResourceVotingWord AssociationWord GameWord GuessingWord-GuessingWord-guessingWordplayWorker PlacementWorker Placement with Dice WorkersWorker Placement, Different Worker TypesZone of Control

RANK #122
In The Quest for El Dorado, players embark on an exhilarating journey through the dense jungles of South America in search of the legendary land of gold. Each expedition leader assembles a unique team, hiring scouts, scientists, and aborigines to navigate treacherous terrains and uncover hidden treasures. The ultimate goal is to be the first to reach El Dorado's golden border, securing all its riches for your team. Players start with a deck of 8 cards, each representing a member of their expedition. On every turn, you can use these cards to move through the hexagonal grid or hire new members by purchasing from a communal pool. The game introduces a race mechanic as players vie for supremacy, but strategic planning and resource management are key to success. Notable mechanics include delayed purchases, once-per-game abilities, and open drafting, which add layers of complexity and replayability. The modular board ensures each playthrough offers fresh challenges, while the variable setup keeps the experience dynamic and engaging.
2-4 60m⚖️ 1.9

RANK #123
Inis
2016Inis is an engaging and strategic board game that transports players to the mystical realm of ancient Ireland. The goal is simple yet complex: become the King of Inis by achieving one of three victory conditions—Leadership, Land, or Religion. Players take on the roles of Celtic clans, each with unique abilities and miniatures representing warriors, woodsmen, shepherds, and traders. During the Assembly phase, players draft action cards that allow them to move their clans, build structures, explore new territories, and more. The game's modular board ensures a fresh experience every time, as it can be expanded or modified with additional tiles.
The heart of Inis lies in its intricate mechanics. Action Drafting, Area Majority / Influence, and Hand Management are central to the gameplay, requiring players to carefully consider their moves and anticipate those of their opponents. The game also features Interrupts, allowing for strategic interjections that can change the course of a round. Leadership cards provide an additional layer of complexity, as they can be used to gain temporary advantages or disrupt other players' plans.
What sets Inis apart is its deep strategy and high replayability. Players must balance exploration with territorial control, manage their hands of cards wisely, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Inis. The game's variable set-up ensures that no two plays are alike, making it a compelling choice for both casual and seasoned gamers. With its rich mythological themes and engaging gameplay, Inis is a must-play for fans of strategic board games.
2-4 90m⚖️ 2.9

RANK #1,906
Looot
2024Looot is an engaging Viking-themed board game where players compete to build their fjord and gather resources. The goal is simple yet strategic: fill your longships with the most riches by capturing buildings and completing construction sites, all while optimizing your village layout on a modular board. Each player starts with a personal board, which they must expand using tiles recovered from the common board. This dual-board mechanic ensures constant engagement as players jockey for position and resources.
The game’s mechanics are both intricate and accessible. Players use a double placement mechanism to strategically place workers and claim valuable tiles. The modular board allows for dynamic gameplay, with each round presenting new opportunities and challenges. Once-per-game abilities add an element of surprise, encouraging careful planning and adaptability. Tile placement is crucial as it determines the layout of your village and access to resources.
What sets Looot apart is its blend of puzzle-like strategy and high replayability. The combination of optimization logic and resource management creates a rich experience that rewards both quick thinking and long-term planning. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or new to board games, Looot offers a balanced challenge that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
2-4 35m⚖️ 2.1

Immerse yourself in the epic struggle of the Rebel Alliance with Star Wars: Imperial Assault – Legends of the Alliance. As a team of up to four players, you'll unite against the oppressive forces of the Galactic Empire, each taking on the role of iconic Rebel heroes from the Star Wars universe. The game's cooperative nature ensures that every player has a unique and engaging experience, as your combined efforts are crucial in thwarting Imperial plans.
The gameplay unfolds on a modular board, where you navigate through various environments, from the frozen wastelands of Hoth to the bustling streets of Naboo. Dice rolling is central to the game, determining the success or failure of your missions and adding an element of unpredictability that keeps each playthrough fresh. Grid movement allows for strategic positioning, while variable player powers ensure that no two games are alike, offering a high degree of replayability.
What sets Legends of the Alliance apart is its seamless transition from competitive to cooperative gameplay. With the Legends of the Alliance companion app taking over the role of the Imperial player, you can now fully immerse yourself in the narrative campaigns designed by Fantasy Flight Games. This expansion not only enriches the existing game but also introduces new challenges and storylines that will keep players engaged for hours on end.
1-4 120m⚖️ 3.3