Gallery: Filter: Feed Your Lust for Power With German-Style Board Games
01pl-filter-strategyboardgamesb-f
__1// Dominant Species__ __Perfect for:__ The [Darwin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin) enthusiast __Geek factor:__ An ice age cometh. Will you be a forgotten spider or a superbug? In [this struggle](http://www.gmtgames.com/p-333-dominant-species-2nd-printing.aspx) for habitat control, different phyla have distinct advantages: Insects multiply quickly, birds travel farther, and arachnids have more bite. May the fittest survive. __Price:__ $79 *Photo: Morini & Montanari*
02games-02
__2// Race for the Galaxy__ __Perfect for:__ The Imperial stormtrooper __Geek factor:__ Even armed with rare-element and alien-technology cards, you can't build an [intergalactic empire](http://www.riograndegames.com/games.html?id=240) without stepping on someone's long green toes. But it's not all cosmic conflict: Players can take a break to hit up an alien disco. __Price:__ $35 *Photo: Jim Merithew*
03games-01
__3// Twilight Struggle__ __Perfect for:__ The Cold Warrior __Geek factor:__ In this democracy vs. communism [card-off](http://www.gmtgames.com/nnts/main.html), hearts and minds are not won easily; if the USSR plays the NATO card before the [Marshall Plan](http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/marshall_plan/) or the [Warsaw Pact](http://www.warsaw-life.com/poland/warsaw-pact) are played, the US could miss out on the alliance altogether. The Fidel card is deadly. __Price:__ $57 *Photo: Jim Merithew*
04games-04
__4// Runewars__ __Perfect for:__ The Dungeons and Dragons-slayer __Geek factor:__ Between 192 figurines—ranging from Pegasus jockeys to enchantresses—and a 40-page rule book, this *Lord of the Rings[battle](http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=96) for the dragon runes is a serious commitment. Bring plenty of lembas. __Price:__ $100 *Photo: Jim Merithew**
05games-05
__5// Labyrinth: The War on Terror__ __Perfect for:__ *[The Call of Duty](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty)* devotee __Geek factor:__ It's America vs. the jihad in this card-and-map [battle](http://www.gmtgames.com/p-294-labyrinth.aspx). Play begins on 9/12, post-Operation Iraqi Freedom, or post-Enduring Freedom—mission definitely not yet accomplished. Watch out for the [Patriot Act](http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html) and [WMDs](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapon_of_mass_destruction). __Price:__ $60 *Photo: Jim Merithew*
Washington Won't Be Regulating AI Anytime Soon
Even with mounting concerns about AI models going rogue, legislation appears unlikely, and the White House is outright opposed to oversight.
Hugo Lowell
The WIRED Guide to Shopping Prime Big Deal Days
Before Amazon’s October sale begins, learn how to investigate prices and track products like a pro.
Louryn Strampe
The Top New Features Coming to MacOS 27 Golden Gate to Try Out Now
Siri’s reintroduction takes center stage as Apple officially rolls out the latest version of macOS to download and install.
Luke Larsen
I Trained a Fly’s Brain to Generate WIRED Story Ideas
I used an open-source map of a fruit fly’s brain to vibe code a website called PitchFly. Its headline suggestions were delightfully bananas.
Will Knight
The 8 Best Movies to Stream This Month
The Mandalorian and Grogu, The Wild Robot, and Obsession are among the must-watch films arriving this month.
Matt Kamen
Chipotle Is Working With Palantir to Track Food Safety Risks
The burrito chain has enlisted Palantir for a platform that monitors pest incidents, employee illnesses, and other factors. The partnership comes after a nightmare summer for food safety across the US.
Kate Taylor
The iPhone 18 Pro Is for the Shutterbugs
Fun camera features help make these candy bar iPhones stand out from the dazzle of the folding iPhone Duo.
Julian Chokkattu
Don’t Buy an Android Phone Until You Read Our Guide
Shopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find the ones worth your money.
Julian Chokkattu
Hackers Got Inside a Flock Camera. Its Data Shows How the System Really Works
A hacker collective pulled down a Flock camera and dumped its data. The files included thousands of videos and logs showing that the device captured 1.6 million images of 50,000 vehicles in 21 days.
Dhruv Mehrotra
Introducing the WIRED App
The app is the best way to read, watch, and listen to WIRED’s journalism.
WIRED Staff
The EU Plans to Ban Social Media For Under-13s
The bloc wants to curb Big Tech’s grip on children with its new EU Kids Act, but age checks, parental oversight, and privacy concerns could make its plan difficult to implement.
Isabella Ward
I Made Robot Vacuums Clean Up Cherry Juice and Cheerios. These Won
My hands-on tests reveal which models can scrub stains, reach difficult corners, and navigate a chaotic home.
Nena Farrell