Dinosaur Island

Pandasaurus Games, Angry Lion Games, Arclight Games · Board game · 2017
1–4 · best 3 Solo 90–120 min Weight 3.0/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 44.97
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you've always dreamed of building your own Jurassic Park (but with fewer accidents, perhaps?), Dinosaur Island is your ticket to fun! A worker placement game with a dinosaur theme that makes you think and laugh.

Highlights
  • Super immersive dinosaur theme
  • Solid worker placement mechanic
  • High replayability with plot twists
  • Colorful and fun components
  • Balance of risk and reward
Keep in mind
  • Can be a bit long
  • Initial learning curve
  • Indirect player interaction
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Dinosaur Island, you step into the shoes of an entrepreneurial scientist with an ambitious mission: bring dinosaurs back to life and build the most spectacular theme park in the world! Get ready to dive into the science of genetics, collecting and sequencing DNA from extinct species to create your own prehistoric attractions. But a good park isn't just about science, right? You'll need to wisely manage your resources, expand your park's facilities, and, of course, ensure visitor safety. After all, no one wants a loose Velociraptor among the families! The game uses a worker placement mechanic, where every decision about where to send your scientists and security guards is crucial. Will you invest in more dangerous dinosaurs to attract crowds, or focus on cute, safer herbivores? Balancing excitement with safety is key to success. Furthermore, each game holds surprises with plot twist cards that alter basic rules and unique objectives, ensuring every experience is fresh and challenging. The game ends when one of the final objectives is met, and the player with the most victory points, meaning the most exciting and successful park, is crowned the dinosaur mogul!

Expansions

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

10 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Dinosaur Island English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Animals: Dinosaurs Components: Meeples (Dinosaur) / Dinomeeples Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Yucata Game: Dinosaur Island/Dinosaur World Islands: Fictional Occupation: Medic / Doctor / Nurses Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Amusement Parks / Theme Parks Theme: Mad Science / Mad Scientist Theme: Zoos, Aquaria, Safari Parks
Publisher Pandasaurus Games, Angry Lion Games, Arclight Games, asmodee, Devir, Feuerland Spiele
Designer Brian Lewis, Jonathan Gilmour-Long
Artist Anthony Wocken, Kwanchai Moriya

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

28,252owners
4,964wishlist
572want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Dinosaur Island?
A game of Dinosaur Island typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules. Get ready for a solid park management session!
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players. The experience changes slightly with the player count, but it's fun in all configurations.
What is the complexity level of Dinosaur Island?
It's considered a medium-complexity game (BGG weight of 3.04/5). It's not super simple, but it's not overly complicated either. Ideal for those with some board game experience looking for a greater challenge.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the components are one of the game's strong suits! Lots of custom meeples (dinomeeples!), colorful boards, and vibrant art that really immerse you in the dinosaur park theme.
Is it a game for players who enjoy direct interaction with others?
Interaction in Dinosaur Island is more indirect. You compete for action spaces and try to build the best park, but there isn't much direct attacking between players. It's more of a strategic race.
Are there any expansions for the game?
Yes, there are expansions that add new dinosaurs, mechanics, and modules to further increase the game's replayability and complexity. It's worth checking out if you enjoy the base game!
Who will enjoy Dinosaur Island the most?
Fans of worker placement games, dinosaur enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a fun theme with strategic decisions. If you like managing resources and building things, you'll have a blast!

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