Cascadia

You draft habitat tiles and animal tokens to create a balanced ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. You score points by fulfilling specific wildlife patterns like packs of wolves or migrating salmon. It is a very peaceful puzzle. We usually grab a few drinks before setting this one up. The rules are intuitive enough that you can explain them as you play the first round. It has a good balance of luck and skill, so new players still have a fair chance of winning. The interaction between players is frequent and keeps everyone talking. I appreciate that it does not overstay its welcome and usually wraps up in under two hours. You will probably end up thinking about your next move while others are taking their turns.