DNA: The New Origin of Species

About this board game

DNA: The New Origin of Species is a strategic board game for 1–4 players, with games lasting about 75 minutes. You take on the role of a scientist tasked with populating a distant planet using Earth’s diverse creatures.

Build DNA sequences with multi-colored gene tokens, then bring new species to life by completing DNA project cards. Once a project is complete, you can populate creatures on a modular game board, positioning them across regions to maximize your score.

Each turn offers a choice between two main actions:

• Prepare Projects: Draw gene tokens from the gene bag, buy new DNA project cards, or place tokens on your existing projects.
• Populate Creatures: Place creatures on the modular board after completing a project, earning points through strategic positioning.

Creature placement rewards you for matching gene colors with region colors or favored habitats. Some creatures also provide instant or permanent abilities, adding valuable effects during population or later in the game.

Victory points are earned throughout DNA: The New Origin of Species through population, creature abilities, and endgame effects. The final tally also includes bonuses for creature sets and gene tokens remaining in your supply, so both your developing ecosystem and your stored resources can influence the outcome.

The game ends when a player completes their final project. The required number of projects varies with player count—7, 8, or 9—before players calculate their final scores. The scientist with the most victory points claims victory as the ultimate creator of this new world.