In Animal Kingdoms, each player takes on the role of house leader and fights to gain control of the five kingdoms. Cards in your hand represent noble beasts who have pledged their allegiance to you.

Over the course of three eras, you must deploy your animals in the different areas - making sure you adhere to each kingdom's decree - to try to improve your position of influence in the kingdoms. The house that gains the most influence at the end of the Third Age is declared the one and only leader of the empire.