Set A Watch: Forsaken Isles

Rock Manor Games, Bumble3ee Interactive, Giochix.it · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 1 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.8/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy light co‑ops with distinct heroes, the tropical vibe and fire‑defense will win you over.

Highlights
  • Smooth cooperative flow
  • Unique hero powers
  • Short playtime
  • Optional expansion
Keep in mind
  • Rules need careful reading
  • Components are a bit tiny
  • Deck learning curve
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About the game
Set A Watch: Forsaken Isles continues the saga, introducing a fresh crew of heroes sailing to tropical islands teeming with monsters and mysteries. Each game spans eight nights, and the goal is to survive until dawn on the final one. Every round a new location is drawn, the camp is set up, and duties are split: one hero stays by the fire, resting and keeping the flame alive, while the others battle the horde emerging from the darkness. The abilities are highly distinct – the Corsair earns coins for defeating foes and can "gamble" to soften bad dice rolls; the Druid wields a nature deck full of animals that can shapeshift or seed the creature deck; the Earth Golem uses d12 dice that gain bonuses from the location card and can store earth essence to boost rolls when luck runs out; the Fire Sorceress draws power from the campfire itself, but the more she drains, the less she can see enemies, demanding a balance between offense and fire‑keeping. The game works as a stand‑alone for 1‑4 players and as an expansion that slots neatly into the two earlier titles – Set A Watch and Set A Watch: Swords of the Coin. Cooperative play, dice rolling, and variable player powers create a tactical‑narrative experience, while the tower‑defense‑like element of protecting the fire gives a survival rhythm. With a light weight (2.75) and a playtime of 60‑90 minutes, Forsaken Isles is approachable for newcomers yet offers depth for veterans who enjoy tailoring strategies to their chosen hero. Components include location cards, hero decks, resource tokens, d12 dice, and fire markers, all illustrated with vibrant art that reinforces the tropical adventure vibe.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 OK
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Game details

Families

Category: Tower Defense Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Islands: Fictional Misc: LongPack Games Series: Set a Watch (Rock Manor Games)
Publisher Rock Manor Games, Bumble3ee Interactive, Giochix.it
Designer Todd Walsh
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
1 to 4 players, including a solo mode.
What is the typical playtime?
Between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity.
How complex is the game?
Weight 2.75 – simple core rules with some deck‑building and resource‑management nuances.
What components are included?
Location cards, hero decks, resource tokens, d12 dice, fire markers, and monster tokens.
Do I need the previous Set A Watch games?
No. Forsaken Isles is standalone, but it can be combined with the earlier titles as an expansion.
Is there a solo mode?
Yes, there are solo rules that keep the challenge balanced for a single player.
What is the recommended age?
12+ years, due to dice handling and card reading.