- BGG rank
- BGG #21,430
- BGG rating
- 6.5
Mein erstes Mitmach-Spiel
- 2–3 players
- 10 min
- Complexity 1.0/5
- 2006
- BGG rank
- BGG #23,508
- BGG rating
- 6.5
Save the Whales
1978
Rules assistance for Save the Whales
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 75 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.0/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Save the Whales
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Save the Whales is a board game released in 1978 for 2–4 players, 75 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Ken Kolsbun and Jann Kolsbun and its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move and Cooperative Game.
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About the game
Save the Whales is a cooperative game for two to four players. The players are trying to save different species of whales from extinction. From the introduction: "Very few games are based on cooperation. However, in this game, all players work together, trying to save eight Whales. Your goal is to beat THE SYSTEM - the worldwide forces which are causing our great Whales to become endangered species and extinct. "The only way you can really 'win' this game is to save all eight Whales. However, this is a game of fun, so enjoy yourself while trying to do the very best you can. As you play, you'll discover various strategies you cause to SAVE THE WHALES. Naturally, the more you play, the better you'll become." (End quote.) The game comes with a board, pewter miniatures of eight different whales and a ship, 42 cards comprising two different "chance" decks, and two six-sided dice with the '1' replaced by a picture of a whaling ship. There are also various chits and a rulebook, which also contains a lot of information about whales, and how to find out more.
Categories
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- HearthSong
- Animal Town Game Company
- Cooperative Games
Questions and answers
Save the Whales supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Save the Whales is 75 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Save the Whales for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Save the Whales has a complexity rating of 1.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Save the Whales belongs to these categories: Animals, Nautical, and Educational. Its main mechanics are Roll / Spin and Move and Cooperative Game. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Save the Whales are: Ken Kolsbun and Jann Kolsbun. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Save the Whales as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.