From Cascadia to Ark Nova: Must-Have Organizers for This Year's Most Popular Games

Let's face it—today's hottest games come with more pieces than ever. What starts as a pristine, perfectly arranged box quickly devolves into chaos after just a few play sessions. The good news? The right organizer can transform your...

TTG SPECIFIC

Brad Shirley

7/2/20256 min read

If you've ever spent 20 minutes fishing tiny wooden meeples out from between the folded corners of a game board, or frantically searched for that one crucial token that's somehow disappeared into the cosmic void of your game shelf, you know the pain of disorganized board games.

Let's face it—today's hottest games come with more pieces than ever. What starts as a pristine, perfectly arranged box quickly devolves into chaos after just a few play sessions. The good news? The right organizer can transform your gaming experience from frustrating to fantastic.

At The Riverside Realm, we're passionate about keeping your tabletop sessions running smoothly. Let's dive into some must-have organizers for 2025's most popular games, with special focus on two massive hits: Cascadia and Ark Nova.

Why Game Organizers Matter More Than You Think

Before we jump into specific solutions, let's talk about why investing in quality organizers is worth every penny:

Now, let's explore some specific solutions for this year's most talked-about titles.

Cascadia: Organizing Nature's Beauty

Cascadia has captured hearts with its gorgeous artwork and satisfying tile-laying mechanics. But those habitat tiles, wildlife tokens, and scoring components can quickly turn your game box into a jumbled mess.

Top Organizer Solutions for Cascadia

1. "Folded Space" Game Inserts

The Folded Space organizer has become the gold standard for Cascadia enthusiasts for good reason:

What's most impressive is how the insert transforms setup time from 10+ minutes down to about 3 minutes. That might not sound revolutionary, but when you're trying to squeeze in a quick game on a weeknight, those saved minutes make all the difference.

2. "The Broken Token" Wooden Organizer

For those willing to invest a bit more for premium organization:

The Broken Token's solution costs about twice as much as other foam alternatives, but the quality is immediately apparent. The wooden construction adds a satisfying heft and durability that's hard to beat, and the design clearly comes from people who actually play the game regularly.

3. DIY Solution: The Plano Approach

Not everyone wants to spend $25-45 on an organizer. For the budget-conscious, a simple Plano-style container works surprisingly well:

This solution costs under $10 and takes about 5 minutes to set up. Not as elegant, but gets the job done!

Ark Nova: Taming the Beast

Ark Nova represents the opposite end of the spectrum—a heavyweight euro game with hundreds of cards, dozens of tokens, and multiple boards. Without proper organization, getting this zoological masterpiece to the table can feel like a part-time job.

Top Organizer Solutions for Ark Nova

1. Etsy Custom Wooden Inserts

The maker community has stepped up with beautiful custom solutions:

While these custom solutions tend to be pricier (often $50-80), they're crafted by gamers for gamers, with attention to detail that mass-produced options sometimes miss. Plus, there's something satisfying about a beautiful wooden insert that matches the premium feel of the game itself.

2. The Budget Option: Card Box Dividers

If you're working with limited funds, focus on what matters most—the cards:

This approach costs under $20 total and addresses the most chaotic element of Ark Nova—the massive deck of zoo cards that needs frequent shuffling and reorganizing.

Beyond the Big Names: Organizers for Other Popular Titles

While Cascadia and Ark Nova are getting lots of attention, several other games deserve organizational love:

1. Wingspan and Expansions

The bird-themed engine builder has only grown more complex with multiple expansions. Look for:

2. Terraforming Mars

This perennial favorite still hits tables regularly, and organization is crucial:

3. Gloomhaven/Frosthaven

These campaign games practically require organization:

The Riverside Realm's Approach to Game Organization

At The Riverside Realm, we believe organization isn't just functional—it's an extension of the gaming experience itself. Our handcrafted accessories are designed with both beauty and practicality in mind.

Our game storage solutions and custom organizers can complement some of the best games out there. We are dedicated to create inserts that help the gamer have perfect gaming environment. We are offering new inserts almost weekly at this time... While our current collection of game box inserts is small on our site, it is growing fast and a high priority for us keep developing into the future!

We hope you will not only find many of our specific game upgrades to be a must have, but also our organization setups for years to come!

DIY Tips from Our Workshop

Not every organizational solution needs to be purchased. Here are some of our favorite DIY approaches:

  1. Repurpose small containers: Altoid tins, craft boxes, and jewelry organizers make excellent token storage.

  2. Print custom dividers: A simple label maker or printed card stock dividers can transform basic storage into customized solutions.

  3. Silicone cupcake liners: These flexible, reusable containers work brilliantly as play-area token holders during games.

  4. Magnetic sheets: Adding magnetic sheet material to the bottom of token trays prevents spills when passing components around the table.

  5. Deck boxes with dividers: Card games benefit enormously from proper deck boxes—investing in quality ones pays dividends across multiple games.

Beyond Organization: Creating the Full Experience

While we've focused on in-box organization, the full gaming experience extends to your entire setup. Consider these additions:

Coming soon: Creating the perfect gaming environment for more ideas and tips on making your space the perfect gaming location.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Whether you choose premium wooden inserts, budget-friendly DIY solutions, Custom 3d Printed Solutions or something in between, here are tips to maximize your organizational investment:

  1. Reorganize after each play: Take the extra two minutes to properly store everything—future you will be grateful.

  2. Label everything: Even the best organizer benefits from clear labeling.

  3. Document your setup: A quick photo of the organized box serves as a reference for next time. (pro level tip!!)

  4. Consider your play frequency: Invest more in organizers for games that hit the table regularly.

  5. Think beyond the box: Sometimes the best storage solution isn't keeping everything in the original box but creating a custom storage system across multiple containers.

The Bottom Line: Organization as Part of the Hobby

For many of us, board gaming isn't just about the gameplay—it's about the complete experience. The ritual of unboxing, setting up, playing, and carefully storing away is part of what makes this hobby special.

Great organization solutions respect both the games themselves and the people who play them. Whether you're a dedicated Cascadia nature enthusiast, an ambitious Ark Nova zoo director, or enjoy the full spectrum of tabletop experiences, investing in quality organization pays dividends in enjoyment, game longevity, and time saved.

Looking to upgrade your gaming experience beyond just organization? Check out our handcrafted accessories or reach out with custom requests—we love helping fellow gamers create their perfect tabletop experience!