Maka Bana

Arclight Games, IELLO, Kaissa Chess & Games · Board game · 2003
3–6 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 2.0/5
rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Fans of bluffing and direct interaction will love Maka Bana. The TIKI and 'legal cheating' rules add just the right spice!

Highlights
  • Fun bluffing and sabotage
  • Creative advanced rules
  • Fast and interactive
Keep in mind
  • Can get chaotic with 6 players
  • Simple components (cards only)
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

In Maka Bana, you're an entrepreneur vying for control of the most sought-after tropical island. Your goal? Build huts strategically to score points, forming adjacent clusters or using your TIKI statue to sabotage rivals. The game blends bluffing, secret deployment, and simultaneous action — you play terrain, symbol, and beach cards (some face-down), creating unique board combinations. And there's more: advanced rules allow legal 'cheating' (with limits!), adding a dash of controlled chaos. Perfect for groups who love direct interaction and a bit of planned mischief.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Islands: Fictional Series: Tilsit Collection Theme: Tropical Islands
Publisher Arclight Games, IELLO, Kaissa Chess & Games, Sweet Games, Tilsit, Zvezda
Designer François Haffner
Artist David Cochard, Jérémie Fleury, Johann Aumaitre

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,312owners
152wishlist
50want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Best player count?
4-5 players — 6 can get chaotic but is still fun.
Kid-friendly?
Ages 10+, but younger kids might struggle with bluffing.
How long does it take?
45-60 mins, but can shorten if someone cheats well!
Table space needed?
Minimal — the board is compact.
Any expansions?
No, but advanced rules add plenty of variety.

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