March of the Ants
- Players
- 1-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
March of the Ants casts players as rival ant colonies emerging from the spring thaw to battle centipedes, expand their tunnels, and claim territory across a shared, modular Meadow board. Players breed larvae, forage for resources, and mutate their colonies with unique Evolution Cards that shape whether their ants become fearsome soldiers, tireless workers, or a fertile queen. Event cards can shake up the entire board or target unlucky rivals, and players can choose to fight for territory or form peaceful, symbiotic alliances. The colony that scores the most points from exploration and control wins, with a solo mode available for solitary play.
Hobbli's Notes
There's a lot packed into this ant-colony sim: area control, evolution-style customization, and a modular board that keeps every game fresh. The option to ally rather than fight gives it more social texture than a typical area-majority game. It runs a bit fiddly with its many card types and tracks, so it rewards groups willing to dig into the details.
What we like
- The modular Meadow board keeps every playthrough different.
- Evolution Cards let each colony develop a distinct strategic identity.
- Players can choose diplomacy or conflict, adding social depth to area control.
- A built-in solo mode extends its appeal beyond group play.
Keep in mind
- The variety of card types and tracks adds a fair amount of rules overhead.
- Take-that elements can create tension for players who prefer lower-conflict games.
- Its niche insect theme may be a harder sell than more conventional settings.
Who it's for
Strategy gamers aged 13+ who enjoy area-control games with an animal theme, for 1-5 players including a solo mode.
