Forbidden Desert — Price & soundtrack

Gamewright, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, AURUM, Inc. · Board game · 2013

7.9 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 2–5 · best 4 45 min Weight 2.0/5

Buy · from US$ 17.49

7.9 rating Ludopedia

7.1 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 17.49

What do you want to do now

Ask anything about Forbidden Desert: rules, setup, components, complexity, price, or whether it fits your group.

Example questions

Learn to play Step by step, manual and videos

How to play Rules manual Watch video

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

If you love cooperative strategy with a side of high-stakes adventure, Forbidden Desert will have you on the edge of your seat as you battle the elements and a shifting board. Its dynamic sandstorm mechanics make every play feel fresh and tense.

Highlights

Dynamic board changes keep it fresh
Engaging cooperative strategy
Unique player roles add depth
High tension and thematic immersion

Keep in mind

Can feel punishingly difficult
Alpha player potential exists

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

Gear up for a high-stakes race against the elements as you and your team hunt for a legendary flying machine buried beneath an ancient desert city — but brace yourself: the desert is actively trying to bury you. In Forbidden Desert, survival isn’t just about finding parts — it’s about managing shifting terrain, scorching heat, and sudden sandstorms that reshape the board mid-game. Each player has a unique role (pilot, engineer, meteorologist, etc.), and you’ll need to combine action points, hand management, and smart coordination to move, gather resources, and stabilize the map before it collapses. Unlike its predecessor Forbidden Island, this sequel introduces dynamic event boards and grid deformation, making every session feel fresh and tense. Think of it as cooperative strategy with a side of controlled chaos: you’re not just saving the day, you’re doing it while the ground literally shifts under your feet.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

In English

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Forbidden Desert English · PDF

Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players

2 REC

3 REC

4 BEST

5 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Gamewright, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, AURUM, Inc., Cocktail Games, Competo / Marektoy, Devir

Designer Matt Leacock

Artist C. B. Canga, Tyler Edlin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

59,233owners

5,738wishlist

441want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

How many players work best?

2–5 players — but with 2, you’ll need tight coordination (almost like playing solo co-op). 3–4 is the sweet spot for balanced teamwork and communication.

Is this too hard for beginners?

A bit. The shifting-map mechanics and action-point planning take one play to click, but the rulebook and tutorial scenarios make the entry smooth once you get going.

Can you play solo?

Not natively — it’s pure co-op. But there are fan-made solo variants for 2 players, and the Sovranti app offers a solid solo mode for practicing strategies.

Does the playtime really vary?

About 45 minutes is accurate — though with new players debating moves (and sandstorm panic!), expect 55–70 minutes. Fast, decisive groups can wrap in ~40.

How is this different from Forbidden Island?

The board deforms and shifts (not just sinks!), winds push pieces around, and events are more chaotic. Plus: flying machine parts, distinct roles, and way more dynamic tension.

Are the components sturdy?

Absolutely — classic edition comes in a metal tin, with thick cards and durable terrain tiles. Heavy? Yes. Worth it? Definitely — and it stacks nicely on your shelf.