---
product_id: 232983
title: "Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players"
brand: "gamewright"
price: "VT16687"
currency: VUV
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Gamewright"
url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/232983-gamewright-forbidden-island-cooperative-strategy-survival-board-game-2-4
store_origin: VU
region: Vanuatu
---

# 58 dynamic playing cards 2-4 players cooperative 24 modular island tiles Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players

**Brand:** gamewright
**Price:** VT16687
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌊 Outsmart the sinking island—because teamwork makes the treasure work!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players by gamewright
- **How much does it cost?** VT16687 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/232983-gamewright-forbidden-island-cooperative-strategy-survival-board-game-2-4)

## Best For

- gamewright enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted gamewright brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Infinite Replayability:** Randomized tile setup and adjustable water levels keep every game fresh and challenging.
- • **Skill-Boosting Teamwork:** Enhances problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration—perfect for professional minds.
- • **Visually Immersive Adventure:** Stunning artwork and tactile components bring the perilous paradise vividly to life.
- • **Pulse-Pounding Cooperative Strategy:** Join forces to outsmart the sinking island and claim four sacred treasures before time runs out.
- • **Family & Friends Game Night Essential:** Designed for ages 10+, it’s the ultimate bonding experience that sparks excitement and connection.

## Overview

Forbidden Island is a cooperative strategy board game for 2-4 players aged 10 and up, featuring 24 modular island tiles and 58 playing cards. Players work together to collect four sacred treasures and escape before the island sinks, with adjustable difficulty levels and rich visuals that create an immersive, fast-paced adventure lasting about 30 minutes per game.

## Description

Product Description Dare to discover Forbidden Island! Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step! Race to collect the treasures and make a triumphant escape before you are swallowed into the watery abyss! desertcart.com You and your team can be the first to breach the borders of the Archeans' ancient mystical empire in the collaborative card game Forbidden Island, by Gamewright. In this game, teamwork proves essential to locate the Earth Stone, the Statue of the Wind, the Crystal of Fire, and the Ocean's Chalice as the Island floods beneath your feet. Adventure... if you dare! Mega T-Rex Ages: Ten and upRequires: Two to four players At a Glance: Be the first team to breach the borders of the Archeans' ancient mystical empireLocate the Earth Stone, the Statue of the Wind, the Crystal of Fire, and the Ocean's Chalice before the Island sinksFind the treasures through collaborative play and teamworkStimulates problem-solving and strategic skills Breach the borders of the Archean empire to locate the four sacred elements. View larger. Work collaboratively with two to four players to locate the treasure.View larger. The Legend of the ArcheansThis game is centered on the legend of the Archean empire, a civilization that possessed the ability to control the Earth's core elements--fire, wind, water, and earth--through four sacred treasures. These treasures stayed hidden from enemies for years on the Forbidden Island, which was designed to sink if intruders ever attempted to capture them. Set the appropriate water level for your gaming skill, and let the adventures begin!Capture the Four Sacred Treasures Before the Island Sinks!Your team of adventurers must work together to keep the Forbidden Island from sinking as you seek the four treasures hidden within. The mission is carried out using different combinations of Flood, Treasure, and Adventurer Cards on the 24 tiles that make up the Forbidden Island. Once you've captured each treasure using the appropriate cards, you must make it to Fools' Landing and escape by helicopter in order to win. If the island sinks before you complete your tasks, the mission ends in defeat.Use Collaborative Play to SucceedEach player is dealt an Adventure Card and given a corresponding pawn before the game starts, designating him or her with a certain set of strengths. This game is designed so that instead of competing with other players, you work to find the treasures and find out how to best use each Adventurer's strengths through collaborative play. This stimulates problem-solving and strategy skills.What's in the BoxWater level marker, water meter, 58 playing cards, 24 island tiles, 6 pawns, 4 treasure figurines, rules of play, Gamewright catalog, and comment card. P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); From the Manufacturer It’s a great honor to introduce the latest creation by cooperative game master, Matt Leacock. There are so many things we love about this unique game: from the rich illustrations, to the collaborative nature of play, to the innovative set of rules, to the infinite possibilities generated by the tiles and cards. Don’t be surprised if your pulse starts pounding faster soon after you start playing – it’s a game that instantly generates an electrifying atmosphere of tension and excitement. Dare to discover Forbidden Island. Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step. Race to collect the treasures and make a triumphant escape before you are swallowed into the watery abyss. See more

Review: A Multi-Game Comparison - Plenty of people have done an admirable job of explaining the games in their reviews, so this is instead an attempt at a comparison between a number of games, the pros and cons of each and which may suit different people best. The games in question are: Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Castle Panic, Smallworld, and Forbidden Island. We have had Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne (with a number of expansion packs) for quite a few years now, and only recently added the other games above. We usually either play just as two adults, or with our two older children (age 9 and 8), and so our conclusions are based on how these games work in those settings. So here's what we've found: Settlers of Catan We got this around the same time as Carcassonne and initially just didn't latch onto it. Partly it's that it's supposed to be 3 players or more, and we often play as just two of us. Once we found online some instructions for playing as 2 players it came out more often, and as time's gone by it's become fairly 50-50 whether we play Settlers or Carcassonne on a quiet night in. The choice will usually depend on how much we want to think. With Settlers, you're always planning and calculating; with Carcassonne, you're taking it a card at a time. Who should get it: Settlers is well-known as one of the great modern games. I'm not as sold on it as some people, and it takes quite a while to learn and feel comfortable with, but once you get the hang of it, it is an entertaining and enjoyable addition to a games collection. There are several 2-player rule variations out there if you need them and they work well (we found one that worked for us and we've stuck to it). But this isn't a game for kids; I would suspect not until they're 16 or so. Amongst other things, I think they'll find it too dull. Carcassonne This has been a favorite for years now, and everyone we've played it with has gone off to get it themselves. We usually play without farms because it then becomes less directly competitive and more sociable. Kids can play it, adults can play it, it's relaxed, it's fun and it's simple to learn. Here's one nice thing about it: you don't have to be constantly thinking and planning ahead. You don't know what card you're going to draw next time, so you just play one card at a time. You're encouraged to discuss where to put a card, and since you don't know what piece you're getting next, your comments to another player are usually pretty unbiased. Who should get it: In my experience, pretty much anyone, except those who want ultra-competitive games. The first few expansion packs are also well worth getting, but don't bother with anything from Mayor onward. Castle Panic The kids love this one, again it's simple to learn and it has the added bonus of allowing them to get out their aggressive instincts and go postal on monsters! They don't like the `master slayer' option, but prefer just straight cooperative play. After the first few plays, I've found the basic game is too easy, and so we're experimenting with making it more challenging, such as starting with no walls, or drawing 3 monster cards at a time instead of 2. I think Castle Panic will become a game that we get out pretty regularly to play. Who should get it: People with kids, who want to play cooperative games. Could be fun as a party game too! Smallworld While the kids have enjoyed playing this, I think their interest is starting to wane already. I suspect it will work better as a game with a group of adults, or when the kids are older. It has a lot going for it, especially the creative cards and board, but as others have noted - what's with the box for the tokens? Very poorly designed and adds unnecessary annoyance. Most of the time when playing we've found it's not too directly competitive, it's easier to attack lost tribes or declining races, so generally it doesn't get too personal! Who should get it: I think this would make a fun addition to a games collection, but I don't think it would be a go-to game, especially with kids. The rules are more complicated to learn and explain than the other games, and this makes it hard to just sit down with new players and get on with a game. Having said that, we've enjoyed playing it , and I think it'll get pulled out every now and then over the years. Forbidden Island Although the kids would prefer Castle Panic, when we've played Forbidden Island (at my insistence!) they've thoroughly enjoyed it. As the island starts to collapse in a heap toward the end of the game, the tension levels rise and people are on the edge of their seats! The game always ends with voices rising in pitch and tension as cards get turned over - it's fun! It's a pure cooperative game, and that works well for us as a family - no one feels bad, we're all in it together. We're still using the `Normal' level of play, maybe we'll notch up a level soon! Who should get it: If you like cooperative games, I think this is excellent to have. I love how easy it is to set different difficulty levels, and it's definitely the game that's had the most excited tension - Castle Panic has this at times, but not sustained (at least as the basic game). It doesn't have the whole monster thing going for it that Castle Panic does, and I think that's why the kids haven't latched onto it so quickly (kill trolls or wander round an island getting treasure - which is your average kid going to choose?) but I suspect that long-term it'll have more staying power.
Review: Simply one of the best co-op Euro games out there! - Forbidden Island sounds silly. Heck, it kind of looks silly. But what it lacks in instant appeal, it makes up for in gameplay. The set itself is in a nice metal container. The island tiles are heavy cardboard and the artifacts are nice quality rubber or plastic. The cards are typical, decent quality. The game has a variety of difficulty levels and is suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Since the game is cooperative, younger or newer players can get assistance from other players. The object of the game is to collect all of the artifacts, four total, and escape the island before it sinks. There are up to six players, but even as a two player game it is quite fun. You can limit the amount of interaction if you like, or you can invite everyone to voice opinions as to your next action. You set up the island tiles randomly in a star like grid. Each time playing is unique, which is part of the fun. You then take turns around the board. Each player draws a card to determine what player they are. Each player has a unique ability such as the ability to move to any space on the board, or shore up two island tiles for only one move and so on. You can pick outright, but I find choosing randomly to be more fun. Each player takes three actions: move, shore up, trade, or collect artifact. Then the player draws two treasure cards, keeping up to five in their hand and discarding extra. If you draw a water rise card - uh oh! - the water level goes up and the game gets more challenging. The next turn is to draw flood cards equal to the current water level. You then flip the tiles indicated. If a tile is flipped already, then it's lost forever! So players want to make sure and shore up certain important tiles when they get flooded (flipped over). The game is over when all of the players collect the artifacts (combined for all four, not everyone will have an artifact), return to the helipad (Fool's Landing) and use an airlift card. Other ways the game ends is if a player is stuck on a tile when it is removed and there are no other adjacent tiles to swim to; or if Fool's Landing is removed; or if both island tiles containing an artifact which has yet to be collected is removed. On lower difficulty settings, it's quite easy. It gets more challenging as you start the water level higher. You can also remove a couple of special treasure cards such as the helicopter and sandbags (make sure to leave at least one helicopter or you can't escape!) It's a quick game lasting around 30 minutes on average. The cooperative style is very fun. I find it to be a good in between game - that is a game between longer games such as Dominion, Carcassonne, or Race for the Galaxy. It's great for friends, and it's easy to learn. What's great also is that as long as one person knows how to play, you can instantly dive in with newbies and assist them in the first couple of plays through. Highly recommended!

## Features

- STRATEGIC ADVENTURE: From renowned game creator, Matt Leacock, Forbidden Island offers a cooperative strategy experience; Engage in a mission to capture sacred treasures, while enhancing problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
- INNOVATIVE GAMEPLAY: Features rich illustrations and dynamic gameplay mechanics; This game stands out with its unique challenges and engaging storyline, keeping players entertained.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN: Designed for ages 10 and up, accommodates 2 to 4 players; Perfect for family game nights, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
- VISUAL APPEAL: Stunning visuals bring the perilous paradise to life; The game's intricate design captures the imagination, making each session visually engaging.
- ENHANCES SKILLS: Promotes strategic thinking and teamwork; Ideal for improving decision-making and collaboration, providing a rewarding and educational gaming experience for everyone.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B003D7F4YY |
| Best Sellers Rank | #4,104 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #154 in Board Games (Toys & Games) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (10,284) |
| Department | All Ages |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Item model number | CSG-FORI |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Gamewright |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 10 - 15 years |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 8.75 x 2.75 inches |

## Images

![Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61eWlWtdPjL.jpg)
![Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-15M83R3L.jpg)
![Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tbOcC2WmL.jpg)
![Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wQ2-zW25L.jpg)
![Gamewright - Forbidden Island - Cooperative Strategy Survival Board Game, 2-4 Players - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dLQJZRx5L.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Can anyone recomend games similar to this and Forbidden Desert that work well with just 2 players?  Thanks!**
A: Try Castle Panic (with the Wizards Tower expansion is best).  It's a fantastic cooperative game and can be played with up to 6 players, but it still fun with just two.

**Q: How would you regard the replay value of this game?**
A: There is a lot of replay value.  Because of the random game tiles and cards you can get a lot out of it. Plus you can adjust the difficulty of the game for a bigger challenge.

**Q: Is this a good game for adults**
A: Yes and no.  It is a fun and easy game.  The replay value is good because the board and characters change.  Unfortunately, most adults will outgrow this game.  Since the game mechanics are so easy to learn, it's a great game to get into collaborative gaming or for playing with younger children.

**Q: Is this good for children**
A: We play with our 8 yo daughter and 6 yo son, starting when he was 5.  He's very insightful about good moves and understands entirely what is going on, but we play collaboratively so I don't know whether he would do as well on his own (that is, whether a group of kids would enjoy it as much on their own).

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Multi-Game Comparison
*by A***A on July 20, 2011*

Plenty of people have done an admirable job of explaining the games in their reviews, so this is instead an attempt at a comparison between a number of games, the pros and cons of each and which may suit different people best. The games in question are: Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Castle Panic, Smallworld, and Forbidden Island. We have had Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne (with a number of expansion packs) for quite a few years now, and only recently added the other games above. We usually either play just as two adults, or with our two older children (age 9 and 8), and so our conclusions are based on how these games work in those settings. So here's what we've found: Settlers of Catan We got this around the same time as Carcassonne and initially just didn't latch onto it. Partly it's that it's supposed to be 3 players or more, and we often play as just two of us. Once we found online some instructions for playing as 2 players it came out more often, and as time's gone by it's become fairly 50-50 whether we play Settlers or Carcassonne on a quiet night in. The choice will usually depend on how much we want to think. With Settlers, you're always planning and calculating; with Carcassonne, you're taking it a card at a time. Who should get it: Settlers is well-known as one of the great modern games. I'm not as sold on it as some people, and it takes quite a while to learn and feel comfortable with, but once you get the hang of it, it is an entertaining and enjoyable addition to a games collection. There are several 2-player rule variations out there if you need them and they work well (we found one that worked for us and we've stuck to it). But this isn't a game for kids; I would suspect not until they're 16 or so. Amongst other things, I think they'll find it too dull. Carcassonne This has been a favorite for years now, and everyone we've played it with has gone off to get it themselves. We usually play without farms because it then becomes less directly competitive and more sociable. Kids can play it, adults can play it, it's relaxed, it's fun and it's simple to learn. Here's one nice thing about it: you don't have to be constantly thinking and planning ahead. You don't know what card you're going to draw next time, so you just play one card at a time. You're encouraged to discuss where to put a card, and since you don't know what piece you're getting next, your comments to another player are usually pretty unbiased. Who should get it: In my experience, pretty much anyone, except those who want ultra-competitive games. The first few expansion packs are also well worth getting, but don't bother with anything from Mayor onward. Castle Panic The kids love this one, again it's simple to learn and it has the added bonus of allowing them to get out their aggressive instincts and go postal on monsters! They don't like the `master slayer' option, but prefer just straight cooperative play. After the first few plays, I've found the basic game is too easy, and so we're experimenting with making it more challenging, such as starting with no walls, or drawing 3 monster cards at a time instead of 2. I think Castle Panic will become a game that we get out pretty regularly to play. Who should get it: People with kids, who want to play cooperative games. Could be fun as a party game too! Smallworld While the kids have enjoyed playing this, I think their interest is starting to wane already. I suspect it will work better as a game with a group of adults, or when the kids are older. It has a lot going for it, especially the creative cards and board, but as others have noted - what's with the box for the tokens? Very poorly designed and adds unnecessary annoyance. Most of the time when playing we've found it's not too directly competitive, it's easier to attack lost tribes or declining races, so generally it doesn't get too personal! Who should get it: I think this would make a fun addition to a games collection, but I don't think it would be a go-to game, especially with kids. The rules are more complicated to learn and explain than the other games, and this makes it hard to just sit down with new players and get on with a game. Having said that, we've enjoyed playing it , and I think it'll get pulled out every now and then over the years. Forbidden Island Although the kids would prefer Castle Panic, when we've played Forbidden Island (at my insistence!) they've thoroughly enjoyed it. As the island starts to collapse in a heap toward the end of the game, the tension levels rise and people are on the edge of their seats! The game always ends with voices rising in pitch and tension as cards get turned over - it's fun! It's a pure cooperative game, and that works well for us as a family - no one feels bad, we're all in it together. We're still using the `Normal' level of play, maybe we'll notch up a level soon! Who should get it: If you like cooperative games, I think this is excellent to have. I love how easy it is to set different difficulty levels, and it's definitely the game that's had the most excited tension - Castle Panic has this at times, but not sustained (at least as the basic game). It doesn't have the whole monster thing going for it that Castle Panic does, and I think that's why the kids haven't latched onto it so quickly (kill trolls or wander round an island getting treasure - which is your average kid going to choose?) but I suspect that long-term it'll have more staying power.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Simply one of the best co-op Euro games out there!
*by C***T on August 26, 2013*

Forbidden Island sounds silly. Heck, it kind of looks silly. But what it lacks in instant appeal, it makes up for in gameplay. The set itself is in a nice metal container. The island tiles are heavy cardboard and the artifacts are nice quality rubber or plastic. The cards are typical, decent quality. The game has a variety of difficulty levels and is suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Since the game is cooperative, younger or newer players can get assistance from other players. The object of the game is to collect all of the artifacts, four total, and escape the island before it sinks. There are up to six players, but even as a two player game it is quite fun. You can limit the amount of interaction if you like, or you can invite everyone to voice opinions as to your next action. You set up the island tiles randomly in a star like grid. Each time playing is unique, which is part of the fun. You then take turns around the board. Each player draws a card to determine what player they are. Each player has a unique ability such as the ability to move to any space on the board, or shore up two island tiles for only one move and so on. You can pick outright, but I find choosing randomly to be more fun. Each player takes three actions: move, shore up, trade, or collect artifact. Then the player draws two treasure cards, keeping up to five in their hand and discarding extra. If you draw a water rise card - uh oh! - the water level goes up and the game gets more challenging. The next turn is to draw flood cards equal to the current water level. You then flip the tiles indicated. If a tile is flipped already, then it's lost forever! So players want to make sure and shore up certain important tiles when they get flooded (flipped over). The game is over when all of the players collect the artifacts (combined for all four, not everyone will have an artifact), return to the helipad (Fool's Landing) and use an airlift card. Other ways the game ends is if a player is stuck on a tile when it is removed and there are no other adjacent tiles to swim to; or if Fool's Landing is removed; or if both island tiles containing an artifact which has yet to be collected is removed. On lower difficulty settings, it's quite easy. It gets more challenging as you start the water level higher. You can also remove a couple of special treasure cards such as the helicopter and sandbags (make sure to leave at least one helicopter or you can't escape!) It's a quick game lasting around 30 minutes on average. The cooperative style is very fun. I find it to be a good in between game - that is a game between longer games such as Dominion, Carcassonne, or Race for the Galaxy. It's great for friends, and it's easy to learn. What's great also is that as long as one person knows how to play, you can instantly dive in with newbies and assist them in the first couple of plays through. Highly recommended!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Edge-of-Your-Seat Fun - Another Co-op Winner!
*by S***. on February 22, 2025*

We're on a bit of a cooperative board game kick lately, and Forbidden Island did NOT disappoint! After loving Pandemic, we were looking for something similar, and this one was a blast. The whole "island sinking" thing really amps up the tension – you're constantly scrambling to keep tiles from flooding while trying to find the treasures. It's a really fun and unique mechanic. We played with four players, and it was the perfect amount of challenge. Each player has a different role with special abilities, so you really have to communicate and work together to succeed. There were definitely some tense moments where we thought we were going to get swamped, but we managed to pull through in the end! It was a really satisfying feeling to escape with all the treasures. The game is easy to learn, but there's still plenty of strategy involved. It's perfect for a family game night or a get-together with friends. We loved that it's cooperative, so everyone's working towards a common goal. If you're looking for a fun and engaging game that will have you on the edge of your seat, Forbidden Island is a great choice. Highly recommend it! Five stars!

## Frequently Bought Together

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*Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu*
*Store origin: VU*
*Last updated: 2026-01-22*