🌟 Conquer the island, conquer the game — don’t miss out on the ultimate team adventure!
TEAM UP TO WIN - Cooperative gameplay for 2-4 players fosters real teamwork and shared victories.
INNOVATIVE CHALLENGE - Unique mechanics and evolving scenarios keep every game fresh and exciting.
VISUALLY CAPTIVATING - Rich, detailed illustrations bring the perilous island vividly to life.
BRAIN BOOSTING STRATEGY - Enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills with every thrilling round.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT ESSENTIAL - Perfect for ages 10+, creating memorable moments and bonding experiences.
Forbidden Island is a cooperative strategy board game for 2-4 players aged 10 and up, designed by Matt Leacock. It features immersive artwork and dynamic gameplay that challenges players to work together to capture treasures and survive a sinking island, promoting strategic thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
Specifications
CPSIA Cautionary Statement
Choking Hazard - Small Parts, No Warning Applicable
Item Weight
0.64 Kilograms
Number of Items
1
Item Dimensions L x W
8.75"L x 6.5"W
Unit Count
1.0 Count
Material Type
Paper, Plastic
Are Batteries Required
No
Color
Multi-colored
Theme
Adventure
Have a Question? See What Others Asked
Can anyone recomend games similar to this and Forbidden Desert that work well with just 2 players? Thanks!
How would you regard the replay value of this game?
Is this a good game for adults
Is this good for children
Reviews
4.8
All from verified purchases
A**A
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 CatanWe 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.CarcassonneThis 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 PanicThe 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!SmallworldWhile 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 IslandAlthough 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.
S**.
Edge-of-Your-Seat Fun - Another Co-op Winner!
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!
M**S
Cooperative stress for the win!
This game is a blast! The Perfect Blend of stress and Cooperative play, the first time we played it we won and I don't think we've won ever since then LOL. It lulled us into a false sense of confidence! But the randomness of the different player classes and requiring people to work together and think quickly is a good family friendly trait to develop. This game will do that for you!
B**F
So Much Fun
The kids love to play this game.
J**R
Fun game!
Really fun game, decently challenging and has harder levels. Very inclusive, has several roles for as many people as you have up to like, eight. Box front is the size of a normal reading book. Small, easy to store.
A**R
good game
We have been getting into the cooperative games and enjoy this one.
J**Y
Great for all ages
Absolutely love itOnly board game where u play against board
Common Questions
Trustpilot
TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews
Meera L.
Smooth transaction and product arrived in perfect condition.
3 weeks ago
Ali H.
Fast shipping and excellent packaging. The Leatherman tool feels very premium and sturdy.
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.
","image":["https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dLQJZRx5L.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wQ2-zW25L.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-15M83R3L.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tbOcC2WmL.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61eWlWtdPjL.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91NqYD9e+QL.jpg","https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91n+L6uHjiL.jpg"],"offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"BHD","price":"16.50","itemCondition":"https://schema.org/NewCondition","availability":"https://schema.org/InStock","shippingDetails":{"deliveryTime":{"@type":"ShippingDeliveryTime","minValue":5,"maxValue":5,"unitCode":"d"}}},"category":"toysandgames","review":[{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***A"},"datePublished":"July 20, 2011","name":"A Multi-Game Comparison","reviewBody":"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 CatanWe 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.CarcassonneThis 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 PanicThe 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!SmallworldWhile 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 IslandAlthough 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."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"S***."},"datePublished":"February 22, 2025","name":"Edge-of-Your-Seat Fun - Another Co-op Winner!","reviewBody":"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!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***S"},"datePublished":"April 17, 2025","name":"Cooperative stress for the win!","reviewBody":"This game is a blast! The Perfect Blend of stress and Cooperative play, the first time we played it we won and I don't think we've won ever since then LOL. It lulled us into a false sense of confidence! But the randomness of the different player classes and requiring people to work together and think quickly is a good family friendly trait to develop. This game will do that for you!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"B***F"},"datePublished":"March 31, 2025","name":"So Much Fun","reviewBody":"The kids love to play this game."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***R"},"datePublished":"April 11, 2025","name":"Fun game!","reviewBody":"Really fun game, decently challenging and has harder levels. Very inclusive, has several roles for as many people as you have up to like, eight. Box front is the size of a normal reading book. Small, easy to store."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***R"},"datePublished":"April 22, 2025","name":"good game","reviewBody":"We have been getting into the cooperative games and enjoy this one."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"J***Y"},"datePublished":"April 14, 2025","name":"Great for all ages","reviewBody":"Absolutely love itOnly board game where u play against board"}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.857142857142857,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":7}},{"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Can anyone recomend games similar to this and Forbidden Desert that work well with just 2 players? Thanks!","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How would you regard the replay value of this game?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is this a good game for adults","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is this good for children","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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)."}}]}]}
