6 Ecology Games to Play Indoors When You Want to Be Outdoors

There’s nothing like some time in nature to soothe the senses. But when you’re stuck inside, the same old card games can get old pretty quickly. Step into the world of ecology games and bring entertainment, education, and immersive gameplay into your space. Explore the vast expanse of the deep blue sea, restore a ravaged ecosystem, or create a food chain that would put a zoologist to shame. Here are some of our favorite ecology games to play indoors when you find yourself itching for mother nature.

Jump To Our Picks

What are Ecology Games?

Ecology games are environmentally focused activities in which players explore, cultivate, create, restore, and learn about environments, big and small. For nature enthusiasts, they offer an outdoor experience from the comfort of home, while teachers can introduce them as engaging educational tools. 

Ecology games teach environmental awareness, consciousness, and conservation in an organic, interactive setting. They span diverse genres, ranging from solo-player video games to family-friendly board games. Ecology games offer immersive, enriching, and accessible ways to connect with nature when you find yourself stuck inside.

Top 6 Ecology Games: How We Chose

To select the best ecology games, we looked for:

• Variety: Whether you’re looking for a virtual adventure or a new family game night favorite, we have the perfect eco-game for you. We found games designed for different ages, play styles, settings, and tastes.
• Visually appealing: Each of these games has pleasant design features, whether they’re playing cards or digital graphics. While they can never compare to the real thing, we searched for games that bring the beauty and intricacy of nature indoors.
• Educational and fun: Games that enrich and entertain players all at once. Award-winning, educator-approved games were the focus of our search.

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Beyond Blue by E-Line Media and BBC Studios

This captivating nature video game lets players explore the ocean as a deep-sea diver and scientist named Mirai. Using futuristic technologies, players can see, hear, and experience the mysterious underwater world in new and exciting ways. The game is available on a number of platforms, including macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Highlights

This story-driven game includes footage from the award-winning documentary Blue Planet II as well as an in-game catalog of ocean creatures so players can learn more about the fascinating critters they encounter.

Things to Consider

Critics have noted that Beyond Blue is a relatively short game, as it can be completed in just a few hours.

2. Terra Nil by Free Lives and Devolver Digital

When it comes to strategic ecology video games, it’s hard to compete with Terra Nil. Players work to transform barren biomes by introducing native species, restoring essential ecosystems, and building green infrastructure to support the delicate landscape. As players progress through the different landscapes, they learn about the balance and interconnectedness of each unique environment.  

Highlights

Terra Nil is about more than beautifying digital ecosystems—the developers are vocal advocates for real-world restoration efforts. As members of Tree Nation, they’ve been active in reforestation efforts, generating donations that have helped plant tens of thousands of trees. Free Lives also donates a percentage of its sales to the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Things to Consider

Some players say that while the levels get progressively harder, they can feel repetitive since the goal is always the same.

3. Photosynthesis by Blue Orange

Immerse yourself in the life cycle of trees with this beautiful environmental board game. Players nurture their landscape, cultivating seeds and using the sun’s energy to bring their forest to life. The three-dimensional layout makes for a unique and dynamic board game experience.

Highlights

The award-winning game has been recognized for its innovation, artwork, and family-friendly nature. It’s enjoyable and engaging for adults and children alike.

Things to Consider

While it can be played with only two, some customers say it doesn’t work well as a one-on-one game.

4. Ecologies by Montrose Biology

Build and maintain a unique food web with one of the most beautiful ecological games on the market. Designed by a biology teacher, this biome-based game includes over 100 playing cards with detailed vintage artwork. Players try to build up their ecosystems while disrupting others, making for a competitive and creative gaming experience.

Highlights

The game includes a simplified rules option, so the play style can be adjusted to the audience.

Things to Consider

The game can take a couple of hours to complete, especially with higher numbers of players.

5. Wingspan by Stonemaier Games

This captivating game for bird lovers will scratch any birdwatching itch. It’s a card-centric board game with organic game pieces and hand-illustrated details. Each player’s strategy is determined by the bird species in their hands, with unique abilities, food preferences, and capabilities.  

Highlights

The base game includes 170 playing cards, each lovingly drawn and detailed with realistic facts and features. There are multiple expansions that introduce more bird species from around the globe so you can grow your collection and expand your ornithological knowledge. 

Things to Consider

The game is somewhat luck-based, as it largely depends on the bird cards you draw. Some players complain that this makes it less strategy-driven and more about the luck of the draw.

6. Next Best Option: WWF Free Rivers by World Wildlife Fund

This ecology game puts the power of geography in your hands. Players can observe, adjust, and interact with diverse habitats and waterways to see how the flow of a river impacts various ecosystems. It’s an in-depth, story-driven game that offers a hands-on understanding of how geography impacts biodiversity and human civilization. 

Highlights

The game is free to play and explains the various ways rivers impact animals, plants, and humans worldwide. It also includes cultural details for a global perspective.

Things to Consider

The game can only be played on iOS and Android devices, and is best experienced on a tablet.

How to Choose an Ecology Game

Games come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Here are some things to think about when picking the perfect game:

• Game style: Are you looking for something competitive or cooperative? Do you enjoy story-driven games, or do you prefer solving puzzles? Picking the right game is all about choosing the right experience for your audience.
• Players: Consider the number, age, and skill level of your players. Some games are better suited to an adult crowd, while others can be tailored to young and mature audiences alike.   

There’s nothing like a green game to offer some ecological comfort when you’re stuck inside. Pick a game, gather your group, and enjoy an outdoor experience from the comfort of the classroom, living room, or anywhere you find yourself looking for a little nature.

Featured image via Amazon