How to Play Forbidden Island
Introduction
Forbidden Island is a cooperative board game for 2-4 players, ages 10 and up. It’s a treasure-hunting game where players work together to collect four sacred treasures from a sinking island before it’s too late. The game is easy to learn, but it’s challenging to win and can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
How to Play Forbidden Island Step-by-Step
1. Set up the game.
- Place the island board in the center of the table.
- Shuffle the Treasure cards and place them face down next to the board.
- Place the Water Level marker on the 0 space of the Water Level track.
- Each player chooses a character and takes the corresponding player board, pawn, and four Action cards.
- Place your pawn on the Starting Space.
2. Take turns moving your pawn around the island.
- On your turn, you can take up to three actions:
- Move your pawn one space in any direction.
- Collect a Treasure card from a space you’re on.
- Use one of your Action cards.
3. Collect Treasure cards.
- To collect a Treasure card, you must be on a space with a Treasure token.
- When you collect a Treasure card, place it face up in front of you.
4. Use your Action cards.
- You can use your Action cards to help you move around the island, collect Treasure cards, or protect yourself from the rising water.
- To use an Action card, discard it from your hand and follow the instructions on the card.
5. Escape from the island.
- Once you have collected all four Treasure cards, you must escape from the island.
- To escape, you must move your pawn to the Helicopter pad space.
- If you are on the Helicopter pad space when the Water Level reaches 5, you win the game.
Tips for Playing Forbidden Island
- Work together. Forbidden Island is a cooperative game. Be sure to work with your teammates.
- Plan your moves carefully. The water level rises with each turn. Be sure to plan your moves carefully so that you don’t get trapped by the rising water.
- Use your Action cards wisely. Your Action cards can be very helpful in getting around the island and collecting Treasure cards. Be sure to use them wisely.
- Don’t give up. Forbidden Island can be a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding. Don’t give up if you’re struggling. Keep trying and you’ll eventually win.