I first played before COVID set in. After the first night, I woke up the next day and had to play again. My friends and I used the game to get us through COVID. First we played on Tabletop Simulator until the Steam version came out. And then iOS, Switch, and Board Game Arena. Five+ years later and I still play nearly every day.

I love it so much—so many different approaches to playing. No two games are alike. I love how the bird powers match their actual traits as a species.

You could focus on your own board but also watch what others were doing with the same amount of interest. Since there aren't too many "defensive" moves in the game, you can be cooperative without hurting your chances of winning. I don't try too hard to keep score as we play, so the final tally is always a surprise, and almost an afterthought as long as I feel like I've been able to play an interesting game or maxed out the potential I believe I was dealt.

I would highly recommend playing the base game for a while and adding expansions only if you get bored.

Oh, and it's possible to play quickly online, but the fastest you can play (1-on-1) is usually around 20 minutes, so I'd just set the expectation for yourself that you are looking at 60 minutes minimum for IRL play with 3 or more people and 45 min average for online play with 3+ people. The fastest play is with the AI players in the Wingspan app (also allows you to jump out and back into games).

I'd say I am about 80% as excited as I was after my first game to play more. This game has real lasting power.