Finspan expands the world of Wingspan into the ocean depths. You are a marine researcher diving into three distinct zones—the colourful Sunlight Zone, ghostly Twilight Zone, and pitch-black Midnight Zone—seeking to find and observe an array of aquatic life. Developed by Elizabeth Hargrave (Wingspan designer) alongside David Gordon and Michael O'Connell, Finspan captures the spirit of Wingspan while diving deep into the fish theme. Over four weeks of diving, the fish you discover generate cascading benefits: grow your collection, discover eggs, hatch them into young, and consolidate young into schools. Hand management, engine-building, and beautiful card artwork create a rich, rewarding experience.
How to play
Each dive, you visit specialized dive sites that expand your research:
—Grow your fish collection
—Discover freshly laid eggs
—Hatch eggs into young fish
—Consolidate young fish into schools
Each dive site offers unique actions and benefits. Play cards from your hand strategically, managing resources and planning ahead to maximize your engine's output. Eggs hatch into young, young consolidate into schools, and schools generate points and bonuses. Over four weeks (rounds), your marine research expands exponentially as synergies develop. At game's end, tally points from fish collected, eggs discovered, young produced, schools formed, and achievements earned. The player with the highest score becomes the leading marine researcher.
Why you'll love it
Finspan appeals to Wingspan fans and standalone players alike. If you love Wingspan's elegant hand management and engine-building, Finspan delivers the same satisfying gameplay with an ocean twist. The egg-hatching mechanic (eggs → young → schools) creates a unique progression system distinct from Wingspan. The three ocean zones (Sunlight, Twilight, Midnight) offer thematic variety and strategic depth. The 152 beautifully illustrated cards celebrate aquatic biodiversity. Solo play with Automa mode ensures you can play anytime. Perfect for strategy gamers, nature enthusiasts, Wingspan fans, or anyone seeking a hand-management engine-builder with a calming, educational theme. Games run 45–60 minutes, offering meaty gameplay without overstaying their welcome. The included storage tray keeps components organised and the game accessible.
Game details
• Players: 1–5
• Playing time: 45–60 minutes
• Age: 10+
• Genre: Hand management, engine-building, card game, nature-themed strategy
• Themes: Marine research, ocean exploration, aquatic life, conservation
• Gameplay: Hand management, card play, egg discovery and hatching, school consolidation, engine-building, once-per-game abilities, end-game bonuses
• Mechanics: Dive site specialisation, egg → young → school progression, resource management, card synergies
• Four dive weeks: Progressive gameplay with escalating strategy
• Ocean zones: Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, Midnight Zone (thematic card organisation)
• Components: 152 cards (57×87mm), player mat (530×284mm), scorepad, rulebooks, plastic storage tray
• Solo play: Automa mode for 1-player experience
• Win condition: Most points from fish, eggs, young, schools, and achievements
• Player elimination: None (all players research throughout)
• Pedigree: Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave (Wingspan), David Gordon, and Michael O'Connell
Shop online now at Ryft.com.au!
