How to Set Up Forbidden Island: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up Forbidden Island is easy and fun! Follow these simple steps to get your game ready for adventure. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Unbox and Organize

Open the box and take out all the pieces. You’ll find island tiles, treasure cards, flood cards, pawns, and treasure figurines. Keep everything organized so you can find it quickly during the game. My daughter loves helping me sort the pieces—it’s become our little pre-game ritual!

Step 2: Build the Island

Shuffle the 24 island tiles and place them face-up in a 4×6 grid. This is your island! Make sure the names on the tiles are facing the same way so everyone can read them. Leave a small space between tiles—it looks like the island is floating on water. One time, my friends and I accidentally placed the tiles too close, and it made the game feel cramped. Lesson learned!

Step 3: Place the Treasures

Find the four treasure figurines: the Crystal of Fire, Ocean’s Chalice, Statue of the Wind, and Earth Stone. Place each treasure next to its matching tile:

• Crystal of Fire → Temple of the Sun or Temple of the Moon.
• Ocean’s Chalice → Coral Palace or Whispering Garden.
• Statue of the Wind → Howling Garden or Cave of Shadows.
• Earth Stone → Bronze Gate or Iron Gate.

My daughter always insists on placing the Ocean’s Chalice because it’s her favorite. She says it looks like a magical cup from her favorite fairy tales!

For a deeper understanding of the game, explore our Forbidden Island vs. Forbidden Desert vs. Forbidden Sky comparison to see how it fits into the series. Get more insights with our Forbidden Island review . If you're looking for alternative games that combine strategy and fun, check out these 10 board games like Sushi Go . On a budget? Discover the best cheap cooperative board games that deliver hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, these resources will enhance your gaming experience.

Step 4: Set Up the Decks

Shuffle the treasure cards and place them face-down near the island. This is the treasure deck. Shuffle the flood cards and place them face-down in another pile. This is the flood deck. Take the top 6 flood cards and flip them face-up. These are the starting flooded tiles. Pro tip: Shuffle the flood deck really well—it keeps the game unpredictable and exciting!

Step 5: Choose Your Roles

Shuffle the role cards and deal one to each player. Each role has a special power, like flying across the island or moving other players. Place your pawn on the starting tile: Fool’s Landing. My spouse always picks the Pilot because they love the flexibility of flying to any tile. It’s saved us more times than I can count!

Step 6: Get Ready to Play

Place the water level marker on the water meter. Start at the lowest level for an easy game. Give each player 2 treasure cards to start. Decide who goes first, and you’re ready to save the island! My friends and I usually roll a die to see who starts—it adds a little extra fun to the setup.

Tips for Faster Setup

Keep the island tiles in order as you shuffle them. Use small bowls or trays to hold the treasure figurines and flood cards. Double-check the starting flooded tiles to make sure they’re correct. My daughter came up with the idea of using a muffin tin to organize the pieces—it’s a game-changer!

Setting up Forbidden Island is the first step to an exciting cooperative adventure. For a seamless start, follow our step-by-step setup guide and enhance the learning process with the Forbidden Island teaching guide. Families can strengthen their bond with these tips for playing together, while players of all ages can benefit from teamwork lessons that make collaboration second nature. Ready for a challenge? Dive into advanced player variations to keep the excitement alive. These resources will ensure your Forbidden Island experience is both fun and rewarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to place the treasures next to their matching tiles. Placing the water level marker on the wrong spot. Not shuffling the flood and treasure decks well enough. Trust me, I’ve made all these mistakes before, and it can really throw off the game!

Now that your island is set up, it’s time to play! Gather your team, plan your strategy, and get ready for an exciting adventure on Forbidden Island. Good luck! Whether I’m playing with my family or friends, this game always brings us together for a fun and memorable experience.