La Isla is a medium-weight game with an interesting mix of simultaneous action selection and resource management, perfect for those who enjoy planning moves and adapting quickly. The scientific expedition theme is well-integrated!
- Clever action selection
- Dynamic modular board
- Engaging resource management
- Well-applied theme
- Can feel low interaction
- Initial learning curve
- Card dependent
About the game
What you do in a play session
On your turn, you'll use a simultaneous action selection system with cards. You play three cards face-down in the A, B, and D positions of your player board. Everyone reveals their A card simultaneously, and the image on it grants a temporary special power. Subsequent cards in the A position will cover previous ones, limiting power usage. Then, the B cards are revealed, and you collect the indicated resources.
The crucial part is positioning your scientists. On your turn, you spend two resources of the camp's matching type to place a scientist there. If all your scientists are already on the board, you can move one of them. When you occupy all the camps surrounding an animal space, you capture it and score points! The score varies according to the animal's current value on the scoring track.
Finally, the D card allows you to increase the value of an animal type on the track, granting immediate points to you and anyone who has already captured that animal. Each animal has a point threshold, potentially being worth up to five extra points at the end of the game. The game ends when the sum of the base values of all animals reaches a certain threshold, depending on the player count. The player with the most points wins!
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
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for La Isla?
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Do I need to know English to play La Isla?
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Does the board change each game?
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