Quirks

About this board game

Quirks is a card-based nature game for 1-4 players with a play time of about 45 minutes, first released in 1980. Players create strange plants and animals while competing to survive a world of rapidly changing climates.

Each plant, herbivore, and carnivore is built by combining cards that display one of three segments of a plant or creature. Every card belongs to a particular quirk, a distinctive trait that may provide a bonus as your creations develop.

The climate determines the current niche and shapes the struggle for dominance. Players attempt to create the dominant species of each type in the niche for the turn’s climate, matching wits with opponents who can threaten their survival.

• Build unusual plants, herbivores, and carnivores from three-part card combinations.
• Adapt your creations to Ocean, Forest, Plains, Desert, and Jungle climates.
• Use distinctive quirks that may give your cards a bonus.

The goal is to be the first player to make three dominant Quirks. Survival is essential, however: if three of your Quirks become extinct, you lose the game.

Quirks includes rules for solitaire play, while the standard game supports 2-4 players. Simplified rules are also provided for Quirklings, a streamlined version designed for children ages 7-11 that supports 2-6 players.