Nature is a complete game on its own. NorthStar’s modules add distinct pressures to the shared ecosystem, from bird migration and oversized predators to event cards and weather. A module box is not a standalone game: each requires the Nature core. Here is what changes, how modules fit together and what the standard Big Box includes. Details below are based on the publisher’s core rules and product descriptions checked October 3, 2026; stock can change.
The six numbered modules at a glance
| Module | Main change | Who may prefer it |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Flight | Bird traits, nests and a faraway place for migration | Groups wanting more protection and routes around conflict |
| 2. Jurassic | Larger size dials, new traits and more imposing predators | Groups wanting size and hunting to matter more |
| 3. Natural Disasters | Event cards and comet tokens | Groups that welcome disruptive environmental threats |
| 4. Arctic Tundra | A new location with cold-related survival pressure | Groups wanting a harsher food environment |
| 5. Amazon Rainforest | A new location with fruit, poison and climbing | Groups wanting different food and defense choices |
| 6. Climate | A dynamic climate track, cards and weather-related traits | Groups wanting shifting conditions across a session |
The “who may prefer it” column is an editorial reading of each module’s mechanisms, not a publisher ranking or a claim of playtesting. The additions differ in complexity and interaction, so choose the pressure you want rather than treating a higher module number as a required upgrade.
Flight: a different way to stay safe
Flight adds 40 trait cards, nest tokens, a Faraway Place board and solo cards. The publisher highlights Flocking, Camouflage and migration away from immediate danger. That changes the core question of how to keep a fed species alive: a group wary of predation may find its defensive options appealing. It still uses the Nature base and its food-and-species scoring framework; learn the core before evaluating whether migration is the twist your table wants.
Jurassic: scale up size and predation
Jurassic adds trait cards, enlarged size dials and a Thagomizer die. The publisher names Apex Predator, Elusive and Thagomizer as examples. Core size dials stop at four; the core rulebook notes Jurassic’s larger dial can reach ten. It is a natural fit for players drawn to big predators and counterplay, but check new trait text and the Jurassic rulebook before applying a core-only size calculation.
Natural Disasters: events interrupt plans
Natural Disasters brings 40 disaster cards, comet tokens and solo cards. Publisher examples include Lightning Storm, Volcano and Ice Age. Its appeal is a less predictable ecosystem, where a feeding plan must account for external threats as well as rival species. It is a module layered onto the core, not a replacement for the core’s cards and dials.
Tundra versus Rainforest: pick one location
Arctic Tundra supplies its own watering hole, a Cold die and new traits, including Hibernating, Fat Tissue and Migratory Grazing. Amazon Rainforest also supplies a location watering hole, with fruit and poison components plus traits such as Poisonous, Powerful Jaws and Climbing. They reshape survival in different ways. Do not combine the two location modules in one game. The core rulebook allows one location module with as many of the other module types as desired; these two represent different places.
Climate: a moving condition
The publisher lists Climate as Module 6. Its box description includes a climate folding board and marker, climate die, cards, solo cards and eight new traits. The main distinction is that environmental conditions change along a track. The standard Big Box product’s contents list modules 1–5; Climate is listed separately, so confirm the exact edition and contents if you want this module.
Core box or Big Box?
The core Nature box supports 1–4 players, includes solo play against Rani and runs four rounds without a module. It is the minimal complete starting point. You can add one module later if its particular mechanism interests you. The standard Big Box includes the core game plus Flight, Jurassic, Natural Disasters, Arctic Tundra and Amazon Rainforest, with additional components for up to six players. Its listed session time is 60+ minutes. It does not list Climate among its included rulebooks and module cards.
Separate module product pages say the core game is required. If you buy only Flight or only Jurassic, you do not get a playable Nature game. Conversely, you do not need the Big Box to play an individually purchased module with a suitable core set. Exact retail bundles and regional editions may differ, so compare the component list on the box being sold.
Mixing modules and game length
NorthStar recommends trying each module alone before mixing them. With one or more modules, the core rulebook says to play five rounds instead of four. This is one extra round for a module game, not one additional round for each module included. You may combine the non-location modules, and use at most one location module. Module-specific instructions can add setup and effects; apply those with the ordinary preparation, adaptation, feeding and scoring sequence unless a module overrides it.
Practical first addition
After a few core games, identify what your group wishes would change. For less direct threat from hunters, inspect Flight. For a larger predation puzzle, Jurassic. For environmental surprises, Natural Disasters or Climate. For a different food setting, select Tundra or Rainforest. If your group simply wants to learn the base system, play its four-round game before adding more rules. This is a fit guide for this particular game, not a universal ranking of expansions.
Continue with the core how-to, strategy and scoring. Sources: NorthStar’s core, Big Box, six module product pages linked above and core rulebook. Checked October 3, 2026.