While specific details about Elizabeth Hargrave's early childhood are limited, it's known that her upbringing fostered an appreciation for both games and the natural world. These early experiences were crucial in shaping her future career, providing the foundation for her unique approach to game design that blends thematic immersion with engaging gameplay.

During this period, Elizabeth Hargrave began to actively explore the modern board game hobby, immersing herself in a wide variety of games and engaging with online communities. This exploration proved invaluable in shaping her understanding of game mechanics, design principles, and the dynamics of the board game market.