The Peak Team^*

The Peak Team is a cooperative game by Scott Almes for 1 to 5 players aged 10 and up. As wildlife rangers, you protect a mountain reserve, and a tiered level system makes each session tougher than the last.

What is it about?

You are a team of rangers. Your mission is to look after several species and keep them safe from threats. The board shows the reserve, dominated by a towering mountain split into distinct regions.

The hook: reverse drafting

You don't pick cards for yourself. Instead, each player assigns their cards to the others. That is how you get the gear to explore the mountain by different paths and transport. Communication is everything.

How you get there

1. Cards are handed out to your teammates.
2. With the tools you receive, you move across the mountain.
3. At specific spots you observe wildlife and complete missions.
4. Each ranger has two mission slots that refill after successes.

You win by finishing all missions before you run out of actions.

At a glance

• Tiered levels with rising difficulty
• Solo up to five players, about 60 minutes
• Artwork by Crocotame
• Released at SPIEL Essen 2025

Conclusion

The Peak Team balances accessibility for newcomers with a real challenge for veterans. Reverse drafting builds a strong team feeling. If you dislike co-ops where one player tends to run the show, note that a lot of joint planning happens here.