Survive: Escape from Atlantis!

Parker Brothers, Stronghold Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment · Board game · 1982
2–4 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 1.7/5
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
8.2 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're looking for a classic game of chaotic survival and player interaction, Survive: Escape from Atlantis! delivers a thrilling race against time and each other. It's a fantastic choice for families and groups who enjoy a bit of take-that in their escape plans.

Highlights
  • Engaging, thematic, and easy to learn
  • High player interaction and tension
  • Hidden information adds replayability
  • Satisfying blend of strategy and luck
Keep in mind
  • Can be quite cutthroat
  • Luck of the draw impacts outcomes
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
Get ready for a breathtaking adventure in 'Survive: Escape from Atlantis!', a re-released classic that throws you into the middle of an imminent disaster! Just imagine: a paradisiacal island, but one that's sinking every round. Your goal is to save as many people as possible, getting them to the safety of neighboring islands before the main island finally explodes. But don't think it'll be easy! The ocean is full of dangers, with sea creatures like serpents, sharks, and hungry whales ready to turn your castaways into snacks. Each player controls ten 'meeples' with hidden values (from 1 to 6), and the key is to remember where your most valuable characters are located to maximize your score at the end. You can try your luck swimming or, if you're fortunate, grab a boat to speed up your escape. With each turn, a part of the island sinks, and you need to be strategic in moving your survivors, whether it's dodging threats or, perhaps, 'helping' an opponent encounter a shark. Originally published in 1982, 'Survive' received a new lease on life with the 'Survive: Escape from Atlantis!' reprint by Stronghold Games in 2011. This modern version not only brought the game back but also included additional components, such as dolphins and dive dice, which were removed from later editions but can be acquired separately by fans. It's a game of strategy and bluff where memory and cunning are just as important as luck!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Survive: Escape from Atlantis! English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Animals: Dolphins Animals: Sharks Animals: Whales Components: Meeples (Animal) / Animeeples Components: Wooden pieces & boards Creatures: Monsters Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Survive! Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame Mythology: Atlantis Players: Games with expansions that change player count Series: Castle Line (Stronghold) Theme: Villainy Theme: Volcanoes
Publisher Parker Brothers, Stronghold Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Arclight Games, asmodee, Asterion Press
Designer Julian Courtland-Smith
Artist Andrew White, David Ausloos, Jean-Brice Dugait, Julian Courtland-Smith, Stéphane Gantiez
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal number of players for 'Survive: Escape from Atlantis!'?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players. While it works well with 2, the experience truly shines with 3 or 4, as player interaction and 'betrayal' become more intense and fun.
What is the average game duration?
A game of 'Survive: Escape from Atlantis!' typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. It's an ideal length for a quick and exciting game session.
Is it a complex game? Who is it recommended for?
No, it's quite accessible, with a weight of 1.693/5 on BGG. It's easy to learn but offers enough strategic depth to be enjoyable. It's recommended for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a lightly strategic game with lots of interaction and laughs (or screams of despair!).
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find hexagonal island tiles that sink, wooden meeples with hidden values, boats, and sea creature tokens (sharks, whales, sea serpents). The 2011 edition even added dolphins and dive dice!
What makes 'Survive: Escape from Atlantis!' different from other escape games?
What sets it apart is the combination of memory (to remember your meeples' values), the constant board reduction that increases tension, and the direct, often 'malicious' interaction between players, who can use sea creatures against each other. It's a classic for a reason!
Are there any expansions for the game?
Yes! Over the years, several expansions have been released, adding new elements like volcanoes, giant squids, and more sea creatures, which can be integrated to increase replayability and game complexity.