Forbidden Sky

Circuit logic and storm management drive Forbidden Sky’s tactical appeal. The game’s current popularity in the collection comes from its punishing environment—players are constantly forced to adapt to shifting wind vectors and unpredictable lightning strikes while racing to complete a live electrical circuit. The physicality of actually wiring up the rocket, with real conductivity rules and a battery-powered launch, gives the table a sense of urgency and spectacle that’s rare in cooperative games. Veteran groups keep it in heavy rotation because the challenge is unforgiving, the puzzle is always fresh, and the finale is a genuine payoff—if you survive. Setup is straightforward but not trivial. The traditional box houses a mix of robust circuit tiles and the electronic rocket, which demands a quick battery check before play. Laying out the modular platform and prepping the components takes about 15 minutes, so it’s best slotted as a main event rather than a filler. The tactile nature of the circuit tiles and the need to keep the rocket’s electronics in working order mean you’ll want a clear table and a bit of elbow room. It’s not a table-hog, but you’ll be wrangling pieces and double-checking connections throughout. Teaching Forbidden Sky is a procedural affair—expect a 20-minute rules rundown, especially for new players. The main hurdles are explaining how wind shifts affect movement, how lightning strikes are triggered, and how the circuit must be completed for a win. Once the game is underway, you can’t really walk away; the collaborative tension and the need for constant communication keep everyone engaged, and questions about conductivity or storm effects will crop up. The room energy is high—players are invested, talking through every move, and the final moments (when the rocket launches or the team is fried) are reliably dramatic. The payoff is a rewarding, high-difficulty cooperative climax that feels earned.