At a time when board games are becoming ever larger, more complex and more competitive, it is all the more refreshing when a game manages to inspire with a calm theme, beautiful design and clever game mechanics.
The Mischwald series from Lookout Spiele combines precisely these elements and has quickly developed from an insider tip to a favorite of many board game fans. With its mixture of strategic challenge, thematic depth and environmentally friendly production, it appeals not only to experienced players, but also to families and nature lovers.
The basic game: Mischwald – diversity on the gaming table
In 2023, Lookout published the basic game Mischwald, a tactical card game for 2-5 players aged 10 and up. In around 45-60 minutes, each player builds their own small forest – tree by tree, animal by animal, mushroom by mushroom. The aim is to create the most species-rich, harmonious ecosystem possible, in which the different cards interact with each other.
The special feature: The cards represent real-life species – from beech forests to wood shrews. Squirrels collect cones, mushrooms thrive better under certain tree species, and birds of prey need a clear view. This thematic depth is not only relevant in a playful way, but also imparts knowledge about the interactions in a real forest in a very casual way.
Visually, Mischwald is a real highlight: the detailed and lifelike illustrations by Toni Llobet and Judit Piella turn every game into a short walk through the local countryside – just on the gaming table. Despite the thematic depth, the game remains pleasantly accessible and is ideal for both casual players and strategists who want to maximize synergies in every turn.
The extensions: Even more life in the forest
With the success of the basic game, exciting expansions soon followed, introducing new habitats, map types and mechanics:
This first expansion brings the high mountains to the gaming table. New cards such as gentian, marmot and fir enrich the gameplay with alpine ecosystems. Particularly clever: the new altitude system, which makes certain cards stronger if they are placed “higher” in your own forest – i.e. higher up on your personal tableau. This adds a new tactical level to the game without making it unnecessarily complicated.
This expansion focuses on the transition zones between forest and meadow. New card types such as shrubs and special forest edge inhabitants such as the red-backed shrike or the fox open up fresh combination possibilities. At the same time, the game is further enhanced by new mechanisms relating to habitat management – ideal for experienced players, but also easily accessible for newcomers.
Mischwald: discoveries (from 2025)
The latest expansion brings even more variety: 55 new cards, including special habitats such as caves, rare species and a fully-fledged Solo-Automa deck. A big win, especially for solo players! Also new is the introduction of “special habitats”, which come with special rules and bonus points – giving the game even more replay value.
Mischwald: Dartmoor (new 2025)
With Mischwald: Dartmoor, the game series becomes international for the first time – both thematically and ecologically. This expansion takes players to the mystical heathland of south-west England, where mist, moors and ancient oaks characterize the landscape. New cards bring animals such as the Dartmoor pony, the cuckoo and the rare moth into play – complemented by plant species such as heather and gorse.
The climate zone maps, which simulate the weather and humidity in your own forest, are a particular highlight. These influence how well certain species thrive – such as mushrooms in high humidity or heather species in dry conditions. Dartmoor not only brings a new region to the game, but also a dynamic weather mechanic that makes every game unique.
Sustainability as a guiding principle
An outstanding feature of the Mischwald series is its consistent environmentally friendly production. The games are part of the so-called Lookout Greenline, which means: no plastic, FSC-certified materials, fully recyclable packaging. This philosophy not only fits perfectly with the theme of the game, but also sets an important example in the board game industry, which is increasingly paying attention to sustainability.
Our conclusion: nature meets tactics – and stays in your head for a long time
Mischwald is more than just a beautifully illustrated card game – it is an experience that combines tranquillity, strategy and nature in one box. Whether as an introduction to the world of modern board games or as a tactical challenge for frequent players: the Mischwald series offers well thought-out gameplay, thematic depth and constantly growing replay appeal thanks to its expansions.
So if you are looking for a game that is not only fun, but also conveys a sense of mindfulness and closeness to nature, you will find your very own personal play hideaway in Mischwald.
Discoveries
Mischwald – Discoveries is the third expansion for this great card game. 55 new cards offer new tactics and variety. The cave cards bring new features to the game and the 12 challenges in the Automa deck (solo mode) can also be found in the box.
Dartmoor
Mischwald: Dartmoor is a stand-alone basic game and follows on from the successful title Mischwald. As a set collection game for 2-5 players, you create a harmonious ecosystem in the extensive moor and heathland landscapes of Dartmoor National Park.