Lifeboat

Fat Messiah Games, Gorilla Games, Berserkr Jogos · Board game · 2002
6.9 Ludopedia 6.3 BGG 4–6 · best 6 60 min Weight 1.8/5
Buy · from US$ 12.75
6.9 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy a chaotic card game full of backstabbing and dark humor, Lifeboat is for you! It's that perfect mix of survival and greed where nobody is safe.

Highlights
  • Intrigue and betrayal guaranteed
  • Direct player interaction
  • Fun and tense theme
  • Fast and easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can be a bummer
  • Can generate grudges
  • Luck plays a big role
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

Hey folks! Ready for a chaotic adventure on the high seas? In Lifeboat, you're shipwreck survivors crammed into a tiny boat that's barely afloat. To make matters worse, supplies are running low, and the pressure is on! But don't despair, not all is lost – some barrels are packed with valuable treasures. Now the real competition begins to see who can escape this mess with the biggest fortune, all while keeping an eye out for those who'd love to see you swimming with the sharks!

Each player has a secret: a secret love and a secret enemy among the other crew members. And the worst part? Nobody knows when this nightmare will end and the boat will finally reach dry land. Each round represents a tense day at sea where anything goes: rowing to steer the boat, shoving your way to a better spot, using bribes, fights, and even weapons to get what you want. The goal is simple: survive and hoard more treasure than everyone else. You score points if you're alive, if your secret love is also alive, if your secret hate has met their demise, and of course, if you have treasure with you when the game ends. It's a fast-paced card game packed with bluffing, negotiation, and unexpected twists. Perfect for those who enjoy strategic chaos with a dash of dark humor and plenty of 'Take That' interaction.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

4–6 players
4 OK
5 REC
6 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Theme: Survival
Publisher Fat Messiah Games, Gorilla Games, Berserkr Jogos, Edgard Games, Games7Days, Gen-X Games (GenX), Le Joueur, Magellan, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer Jeff Siadek
Artist Stephen K. Ratter

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

5,581owners
737wishlist
111want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate in Lifeboat?
Lifeboat is for 4 to 6 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun it gets!
How long does a game typically last?
A game of Lifeboat takes about 60 minutes, which is great for a quick, action-packed session.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the rules are quite straightforward, and the game is quick to pick up. The challenge lies in the decisions and player interaction.
What happens if my character dies?
If you're eliminated, you can still score points if your secret enemy dies and your secret love survives. Plus, any treasure you acquired before dying still counts!
Is there a lot of 'take that' between players?
Absolutely! The game features many 'Take That' mechanics, allowing you to sabotage, push, and harm others. It's part of the fun!
Is the game more focused on luck or strategy?
It's a mix of both! Luck with the cards plays a role, but your decisions on who to help, who to betray, and how to use your cards are crucial for victory.
Does the theme fit well with the mechanics?
Completely! The theme of desperate survival in a lifeboat perfectly matches the game's greed, betrayal, and dark humor.

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