Forbidden Desert
Official Description:
In Forbidden Desert, players become a team of daring adventurers who must recover a legendary flying machine buried deep in the ruins of an ancient desert city. After a crash landing, the team must coordinate their efforts to survive the relentless sandstorm, manage their water supplies, and excavate the city to find the scattered parts of the flying machine.
The game is fully cooperative, requiring players to work together to overcome the harsh environment and shifting sands. Each player assumes a unique role with special abilities, and together they must strategize to avoid being buried by sand, dehydrated by the sun, or separated from the group. The modular board and variable setup ensure that each playthrough presents new challenges and requires adaptive teamwork.
Victory is achieved by assembling the flying machine and escaping the desert before the sandstorm intensifies or the team runs out of water. Forbidden Desert builds on the cooperative mechanics of its predecessor, Forbidden Island, offering a more challenging and immersive survival experience.
Sandstorm escalation and water scarcity drive the tension in Forbidden Desert, making it a frequent pick for groups seeking a survival puzzle with teeth. The shifting board and variable setup keep even seasoned players on their toes—no two sessions play out the same, and the need to coordinate excavations and shelter timing rewards tight teamwork. Compared to its predecessor, this one demands sharper planning and more deliberate risk management, especially around the Sun Beats Down mechanic. Its current popularity in the collection comes from that blend of pressure and adaptability; it’s a reliable way to engage a table of veterans who want a challenge that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Physically, the Gamewright metal tin stands out on the shelf but comes with quirks—vertical storage leads to component drift, and the tin is prone to rust if left in humid environments. Setup is straightforward but not instant; expect about 15 minutes to get the modular board and pieces sorted, especially if you’re particular about sand marker placement. The unique box shape makes it a conversation starter, but it’s best stored away from moisture. At 45 minutes per session, it’s a solid main event for a game night, especially when you want a cooperative experience that feels substantial but won’t dominate the evening.
Teaching Forbidden Desert is a procedural affair—plan on a 20-minute rules rundown, especially for groups new to the franchise. The increased complexity over Forbidden Island means you’ll need to emphasize the importance of tunnel shelter and water management right from the start. Once the game is underway, you can usually step back; the collaborative nature keeps everyone engaged and talking, and the escalating threats ensure the table stays focused. The energy in the room ramps up as the sand piles grow, and the shared victory or defeat gives the session a satisfying arc. For groups that want a cooperative challenge with real stakes and replay value, this remains a franchise favorite and a staple mid-weight option.
MY score
9
Our Total Plays
12
Last PLayed
24 Dec 25
🚀 High Velocity
Player Count
2-5
Playtime
45 mins
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