Islebound (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Islebound is a board game released in 2016 and designed by Ryan Laukat. It is published by Red Raven Games and falls under the categories of fantasy, nautical, and pirates. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with the best gameplay experience being with 3-4 players. Players take on the role of captains navigating the seas, building their fleets, and establishing influence over islands.

Game Components of Islebound

8 double-sided map pieces for varying difficulty levels

Player boards

Ship tokens

Crew and islander cards

Building cards with unique abilities

Treasure tokens

Event cards

Pirate and sea monster tokens

Influence tokens

How To Setup Islebound

To set up Islebound, players first assemble the map by choosing one side of each of the 8 map pieces, which can be either the beginner or advanced side. Once the map is set up, each player selects a player board and places their ship token on the starting location. Players also receive a starting set of crew and resources. The building cards, event cards, and other components are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control island towns through diplomacy or warfare.

Resource Management: Collect resources to hire crew, commission buildings, and complete events.

Building Placement: Each building has a unique ability, enhancing the player’s strength as a trader, builder, or invader.

Event Completion: Complete events to gain influence and befriend towns.

Objective: The player with the most wealth and the most impressive capital city wins.

Player Experience

In Islebound, players embark on a journey across the seas, navigating between strategic decisions on whether to trade, build, or invade island towns. The game offers multiple paths to success, allowing players to choose between being ruthless conquerors, careful diplomats, or shrewd merchants. The combination of building abilities and event completions adds a layer of complexity and replayability, making each game unique.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable map setup and multiple paths to victory ensure different experiences each time.

Deep Strategy: Simple to learn but complex to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced players.

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning visuals and immersive artwork.

Cons

Complex Setup: Assembling the map and preparing the components can be time-consuming.

Learning Curve: While the basic rules are simple, mastering the game’s intricacies takes time.

Personal Thoughts on Islebound

Islebound is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with multiple layers of depth. It is suitable for players looking for a game that balances simplicity in its basic rules with complexity in its strategies. Fans of area control games and those who appreciate games with high replayability will find Islebound particularly engaging. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players seeking a quick, straightforward experience due to its complex setup and deep strategy mechanics.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.