The Search for Lost Species
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2023
About the game
The Search for Lost Species sends one to four players on a scientific expedition to rediscover real-world species that haven't been seen in decades. Using deduction and movement, players narrow down the possible habitats of a hidden lost species across a double-sided island map of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Special expedition actions let you search specific habitats, while asymmetric cards add variability from game to game. A companion app lets you confirm your final sighting, tying the game to genuine conservation efforts. It's a thoughtful puzzle built around real ecological stakes.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team appreciates how this game channels genuine conservation science into a sharp deduction puzzle. Building on the well-loved Search for Planet X formula, it adds asymmetric player cards that keep the logic puzzle fresh across plays. The real-world tie-in through the companion app gives the theme unusual weight and meaning. A great choice for deduction fans who also care about the natural world.
What we like
- Satisfying, tightly-tuned logical deduction.
- Meaningful real-world conservation theme.
- Strong solo mode with app-based confirmation.
- Asymmetric cards add variety across plays.
Keep in mind
- Requires careful note-taking and bookkeeping.
- May feel familiar to veterans of Search for Planet X.
- Moderate complexity may deter very casual players.
Who it's for
Great for puzzle-loving teens and adults, playable solo or with up to four players who enjoy logical deduction games.
