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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


Why Game Organizers Matter More Than You Think
Cut setup time in half (or better): Most gamers spend 15-30% of their gaming session just setting up and tearing down the game they wish to play. Good organization can reclaim that time for actual gameplay.
Extend your game's lifespan: Cards stay sharp, tokens stay intact, and boards don't get bent when everything has a proper home.
Smooth out gameplay: Nothing kills momentum like digging through a pile of mixed tokens while everyone waits for you to simply take your action.
Improve table presence: Well-organized components look better and create a more immersive experience which ads to everyone's overall enjoyment during game night.
Make complex games more approachable: Good organization can make intimidating games feel more manageable for new players.
Now, let's explore some specific solutions for this year's most talked-about titles.
Cascadia: Organizing Nature's Beauty
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:
Precision-cut EVA foam construction that's lightweight yet durable
Dedicated spaces for every component, including the Landmarks expansion
Clever trays arranged in two layers with a special corner cutout for the wildlife token bag
Visual guides printed directly on the trays to speed up setup
2. "The Broken Token" Wooden Organizer
For those willing to invest a bit more for premium organization:
Laser-cut wooden construction that adds a natural, tactile quality
Lidded trays for environment meeples that double as pass-around containers during gameplay
3. DIY Solution: The Plano Approach
A small 3600 series tackle box fits perfectly in the Cascadia box
Use compartments for different wildlife tokens and player pieces
Stack habitat tiles in the original insert or rubber-band them by type
Ark Nova: Taming the Beast
Top Organizer Solutions for Ark Nova
The maker community has stepped up with beautiful custom solutions:
2. The Budget Option: Card Box Dividers
If you're working with limited funds, focus on what matters most—the cards:
Beyond the Big Names: Organizers for Other Popular Titles
The bird-themed engine builder has only grown more complex with multiple expansions. Look for:
Multi-tiered card trays that separate the massive deck by continent/expansion
Egg containers that allow quick access during play (this speeds up the game tremendously)
This perennial favorite still hits tables regularly, and organization is crucial:
These campaign games practically require organization:
The Riverside Realm's Approach to Game Organization
DIY Tips from Our Workshop
Repurpose small containers: Altoid tins, craft boxes, and jewelry organizers make excellent token storage.
Print custom dividers: A simple label maker or printed card stock dividers can transform basic storage into customized solutions.
Silicone cupcake liners: These flexible, reusable containers work brilliantly as play-area token holders during games.
Magnetic sheets: Adding magnetic sheet material to the bottom of token trays prevents spills when passing components around the table.
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
Dedicated play surfaces: A quality game table or mat provides the perfect foundation
Ambient lighting: Adjustable lighting creates mood while ensuring everyone can see their pieces
Component upgrades: Metal coins, custom meeples, game grids and other upgrades enhance tactile enjoyment
Accessible storage: Vertical shelving that displays your organized games makes choosing what to play easier
Making the Most of Your Investment
Reorganize after each play: Take the extra two minutes to properly store everything—future you will be grateful.
Label everything: Even the best organizer benefits from clear labeling.
Document your setup: A quick photo of the organized box serves as a reference for next time. (pro level tip!!)
Consider your play frequency: Invest more in organizers for games that hit the table regularly.
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
The Riverside Realm, llc.
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Wellsville, Oh 43968
Brad@riversiderealm.com
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