Rafter Five

Oink Games, Popcorn Games · Board game · 2023
1–6 · best 4 Solo 20 min Weight 1.1/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love quick party games and want to see everyone sweating to keep things balanced.

Highlights
  • Constant and funny tension
  • Creative setup using the box
  • Simple and fast rules
  • Direct and competitive interaction
Keep in mind
  • Elimination can leave players idle
  • Entirely dependent on physical skill
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Imagine the tension of building a raft that looks like it's about to collapse at any second, but with a twist: you want it to be as large as possible, yet you want to be the only one who can actually board it. Rafter Five is exactly that kind of controlled chaos. The game starts in a very unusual way, using the box itself (top and bottom) to create the base of the structure. On top of that, you place five wooden rafter pieces, and the fun begins.

The dynamics are simple but nerve-wracking. On your turn, you lift a rafter, insert a raft card to expand the construction, put the rafter back, and then comes the risky part: placing one of your treasure chests. The trick here is malice. You want to place your chest in a very precarious position. Why? Because if another player knocks over your chest, they are the ones who have to keep that chest in their hold.

The game becomes a war of nerves and precision. If you're clumsy and end up collecting five treasure chests belonging to other players, you're out! It's the kind of game where the laughter comes from your friend's mistakes. It's worth noting that you can knock over your own chests without penalty, but that's basically giving a gift to your opponents, making the game easier for everyone else. It's a fast, light game, perfect for those who love seeing things crumble while trying to keep a steady hand. Ideal for parties or those moments of relaxation where manual skill (or the lack thereof) is the star of the night.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Game Box Used In Play Digital Implementations: Apple App Store
Publisher Oink Games, Popcorn Games
Designer Jun Sasaki, ましう (Mashiu)
Artist Jun Sasaki, ましう (Mashiu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are super simple, and within a few minutes, everyone will be trying to knock over each other's chests.
How long does a game last?
It's very fast, lasting about 20 minutes, making it a great opener for a game night.
How many people can play?
From 1 to 6 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun the stacking becomes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it's a very intuitive dexterity game, great for kids who enjoy building and balancing things.
Does the box actually part of the game?
Yes! You stack the lid and the bottom of the box to create the base, saving table space and providing initial stability.
What happens if I knock over my own chest?
Nothing happens to you, but you're making the game easier for others since they won't be penalized for it.