Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
The perfect entry point for those who want Spirit Island's depth without the initial shock of a complex setup.
Highlights
- Much faster and smoother setup
- Intuitive and balanced new Spirits
- Compatible with the base game
- Smoother learning curve
Keep in mind
- Requires base game for expansions
- Still a high-complexity game
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
Ever felt the urge to dive into Spirit Island but felt the learning curve was like climbing Everest? That's where Horizons of Spirit Island comes in. It acts as the perfect gateway, bringing the core essence and brutal mechanics of the original game but with a touch of accessibility. The main highlight here is the streamlining: the setup is much faster, and the double-sided game board helps organize the chaos, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: driving the invaders off your island.
To make things easier for newcomers, the game introduces five new Spirits. These were specifically designed to be intuitive, serving as an ideal 'training ground' before you jump into the complexities of the base game. The best part is that these new Spirits aren't locked into Horizons; they are fully compatible with the original Spirit Island. In other words, you can start here and then carry your powers over to the main box.
However, keep a technical detail in mind: if you already own the heavy expansions, such as Jagged Earth, and want to use them alongside the Horizons content, you will still need a copy of the base Spirit Island game. Horizons is a robust package, but it doesn't replace the base game for full integration with advanced expansions. Ultimately, it's the ideal choice for those who crave the strategic depth of an expert game but prefer a less intimidating and more fluid start.
To make things easier for newcomers, the game introduces five new Spirits. These were specifically designed to be intuitive, serving as an ideal 'training ground' before you jump into the complexities of the base game. The best part is that these new Spirits aren't locked into Horizons; they are fully compatible with the original Spirit Island. In other words, you can start here and then carry your powers over to the main box.
However, keep a technical detail in mind: if you already own the heavy expansions, such as Jagged Earth, and want to use them alongside the Horizons content, you will still need a copy of the base Spirit Island game. Horizons is a robust package, but it doesn't replace the base game for full integration with advanced expansions. Ultimately, it's the ideal choice for those who crave the strategic depth of an expert game but prefer a less intimidating and more fluid start.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
3
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Greater Than Games, LLC, Ace Studios, Arrakis Games, Fox in the Box, Gémklub, Ghenos Games, Hobby World, Intrafin Games, Rexhry
Designer
R. Eric Reuss
Artist
Cari Corene, Jason Behnke, Jorge Ramos, Kat G Birmelin, Lucas Durham, Moro Rogers, Nolan Nasser
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
13,056owners
1,389wishlist
123want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need the original Spirit Island to play Horizons?
No! Horizons is standalone and you can play it perfectly on its own.
Can I use the Horizons Spirits in the base game?
Yes, they are fully compatible with the original Spirit Island.
Is the game easy for beginners?
It's 'easier' than the original regarding setup and the new spirits, but it's still an Expert game. Get ready to burn some brain cells!
Can I use expansions like Jagged Earth here?
Only if you own the base Spirit Island game. Horizons alone does not support expansions.
How many people can play?
1 to 3 players. It works great in solo mode as well.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the group's experience.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme