Forgotten Waters

Plaid Hat Games, CrowD Games, Galápagos Jogos · Board game · 2020
8.1 Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 3–7 · best 5 120–240 min Weight 2.1/5
Buy · from US$ 35.99
8.1 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for those who love light RPGs and want to create wild stories with friends. Its strongest point is the narrative freedom.

Highlights
  • Rich and branching narrative
  • Fun mix of cooperation and betrayal
  • Creative and humorous world
  • Real sense of consequence in choices
Keep in mind
  • High dependency on reading/translation
  • Very long playtime
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine you and your friends as a pirate crew in a world where magic is real and the absurd is the norm. In Forgotten Waters, you aren't just playing on a board; you're navigating through a massive book of locations and stories. The game blends the feel of a classic RPG with the accessibility of a board game, where the group's decisions shape the course of the adventure. But be careful: while you're on the same ship and need cooperation to survive, every pirate has their own desires and secret objectives. Will you help the crew, or will you find a way to ensure the treasure is yours alone?

The experience is driven by curiosity. The game encourages players to explore every corner of the map, turn over every stone, and test every possible option, as every choice leaves permanent marks on the story. With five detailed scenarios and a massive location book, the number of paths is staggering. You'll roll dice to test attributes, deal with unexpected events, and manage the crew while trying to balance the ship's survival with personal ambition. It's the perfect kind of game for those who love storytelling, laughing at bizarre situations, and feeling that their decisions truly matter in the world. Ready your compass, call the crew, and prepare to sail through waters where the fantastic and the comical go hand in hand.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

10 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–7 players
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 REC
7 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Book as Board Components: Digital Hybrid – App/Website Required Components: Standees Mechanism: Campaign Games Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Series: AdventureBook Games (Plaid Hat) Series: Crossroads (Plaid Hat Games) Theme: Pirates
Publisher Plaid Hat Games, CrowD Games, Galápagos Jogos, Geekach LLC, MINDOK, MYBG Co., Ltd., Portal Games, sternenschimmermeer
Designer Isaac Vega, J. Arthur Ellis, Mr. Bistro
Artist Anton Fadeev, Nadezhda Tikhomirova

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

16,490owners
4,777wishlist
404want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Do I need a Game Master to play?
Nope! The game is guided by the location and scenario books, so the narrative leads the session without needing a GM.
Is it a cooperative game?
It's semi-cooperative. You need to work together to keep the ship afloat, but each player has secret goals that might conflict with the group.
How long does a session last?
Sessions are long, typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much the group likes to explore.
Is it too complex for non-RPG players?
Not at all. While it has stat checks and dice, the rules are accessible and the focus is on the story, making it great for beginners.
How many people can play?
The game supports 3 to 7 players, making it ideal for larger groups who enjoy debating decisions together.

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