What is the objective of the game Wingspan?

"Wingspan" is a popular board game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games. The game focuses on the world of birdwatching and bird conservation, offering a unique and engaging gameplay experience. In "Wingspan," players take on the roles of bird enthusiasts, aiming to attract and care for a diverse array of bird species in their wildlife preserves. The primary objective of the game is to accumulate points through various actions and strategies, ultimately aiming to have the highest score by the end of four rounds.

Here's a closer look at the objectives and gameplay of "Wingspan":

1. Build an Aviary: Each player begins the game with a personal wildlife preserve board that represents their own aviary. The main objective is to populate this aviary with different bird species. Players can attract birds by playing bird cards from their hands, which feature unique species with distinct abilities and attributes.
2. Collect Points: "Wingspan" features multiple ways to earn points throughout the game. These points are acquired by achieving various goals, such as playing bird cards, laying eggs, activating bird abilities, and collecting food tokens. The combination of these actions forms the foundation of a player's point-generating strategy.
3. Create Synergies: A key aspect of the game is creating synergies between the bird cards in a player's aviary. Many bird abilities complement each other, allowing players to chain actions and maximize their efficiency. Strategic card placement and bird abilities can lead to more points and a more effective gameplay experience.
4. End-of-Round Scoring: At the end of each round, players score points based on the goals outlined on the corresponding scoring cards. These cards present various criteria that players must meet to earn points. By focusing on specific objectives, players can adapt their strategies and optimize their actions to score well.
5. Accumulate Resources: In addition to attracting birds and earning points, players need to manage resources effectively. Resources like food tokens are essential for activating bird abilities and laying eggs. Balancing resource management with scoring opportunities is crucial for a successful strategy.
6. Utilize Different Habitats: "Wingspan" features three different habitats—forest, grassland, and wetland—in which players can place birds. Some birds have habitat-specific requirements, and optimizing habitat usage can lead to additional points.
7. End-of-Game Scoring: After four rounds, the game concludes with an end-of-game scoring phase. Players tally their points from bird cards, eggs, abilities, and other end-game objectives. The player with the highest total score wins the game.
8. Educational Component: Beyond the gameplay objectives, "Wingspan" also incorporates an educational element. Each bird card includes information about the real bird species it represents, fostering an appreciation for ornithology and nature conservation.

In conclusion, the objective of "Wingspan" is to create a successful wildlife preserve filled with diverse bird species, each contributing to a player's overall score through their abilities and interactions. By building synergies, collecting resources, and strategically pursuing scoring opportunities, players aim to accumulate the highest number of points over four rounds. The game not only offers an engaging and competitive experience but also encourages an understanding of ornithology and environmental stewardship.