If you enjoy a chaotic negotiation game where survival is the prize and betrayal is an option, Lifeboats might be your new addiction! Get ready to bluff, bargain, and maybe send some opponents to the sharks.
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Highlights
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Intense and chaotic negotiation
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Lots of player interaction
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Fun survival theme
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Tense and unpredictable decisions
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Keep in mind
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Player elimination can be frustrating
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Rules can seem confusing
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Luck plays a big role
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Rules manual not indexed yetUpload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for nautical chaos in Lifeboats! Picture this: a shipwreck, and you and a bunch of desperate folks trying to cram into six lifeboats that, to make matters worse, are leakier than a sieve. The goal here is to ensure your crew reaches the islands barely visible on the horizon safe and sound. But, hey, only one boat moves per turn, and guess what? The decision is made by voting! You'll have to use all your persuasive power to convince everyone to row your way. And don't think it stops there: the crew members are a bit crazy, jumping from one boat to another as if it were a swing. Oh, and to top off the madness, one boat springs a leak each round. If it's already at maximum capacity when the leak occurs, prepare for a tense vote: who will become shark bait? It's a pure negotiation game, where every decision can mean life or death (literally!) for your crew. If you enjoy controlled chaos, bluffing, and a lot of drama, Lifeboats is for you. Just don't expect everyone to leave smiling in the end, because survival here is individual!
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Gallery
Box and component photos
11 photos · from the community
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Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
businessPublisherArgentum Verlag, Walter Müller's Spielewerkstatt, Z-Man Games
editDesignerRonald Wettering
paletteArtistMatthias Catrein, Wolfgang Steinmeyer
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,014owners
1,200wishlist
334want to play
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
How many players can participate? expand_more
Lifeboats is for 3 to 6 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun it gets!
How long does a game take? expand_more
A game usually takes around 90 minutes, but be prepared, because with so much negotiation and voting, it might extend a bit.
Is the game very complicated to learn? expand_more
The basic rules are simple, but the complexity comes from the interactions and negotiations between players. It's more about cunning than difficult rules.
Can I be eliminated from the game? expand_more
Yes, player elimination is a central mechanic. If your boat springs a leak and is full, you might be thrown to the sharks!
Is this a game for people who like to argue with friends? expand_more
If you and your friends enjoy a 'every man for himself' atmosphere, bluffing, and a lot of talk to get what you want, then yes, it's perfect!
Do I need to speak English to play? expand_more
There is no language dependency on the main cards or components, but communication and negotiation among players are essential, so it's best if everyone speaks the same language.
