Winter Den

A Semi-Cooperative, Asymmetric Survival Game

5 Players · 7 Rounds · 30 Minutes · Ages 12+ · Free Print & Play

Winter Den takes five distinct animal personalities and gives them just seven days to prepare for winter. Every animal must secure food, warmth, water, shelter, and enough energy to survive hibernation. Every decision changes what is possible for everyone else.

The rules are the same for everyone, but strengths, weaknesses, turn order, and survival pressures are different for each animal.

Players are encouraged to discuss strategy, negotiate, and plan together. Open communication is a core part of the game.

Designer Note

I designed Winter Den to show my daughter what real fairness looks like.

Life rarely gives everyone the same needs, power or skills. What matters is understanding how your choices affect the people around you.

What’s in the Download

• “Start Here” setup guide 
• Rulebook
• Hand-drawn game board (Fable aesthetic, coloured by my 7-year-old)
• 5 animal player cards (actions, survival needs, energy tracker)
• Token sheet (animals, food, warmth, barricades)

You only need 6 small household tokens (coins, buttons, etc.)

No dice. No cards. No special equipment.

Print, cut, play.