Forbidden Island is a cooperative board game - everyone must work together to win the game. Players take turns moving their pawns around the 'island', which is built by arranging the tiles before play begins. As the game progresses, more and more island tiles sink, becoming unavailable, and the pace increases. Players use strategies to keep the island from sinking, while trying to collect treasures and items. As the water level rises, it gets more difficult- sacrifices must be made.

Player move around the tiles, using their individual strengths to shore up tiles and explore for treasure. If the water level gets too high, the island floods and everyone loses. But, if all 4 Treasures have been captured AND all players are at Fools' Landing AND someone has a Helicopter Lift card to save the team, everyone wins!

With multiple levels of difficulty, different characters to choose from (each with a special ability of their own), many optional island formats and game variations available, Forbidden Island has huge replay value. The game can be played by as few as two players and up to four (though it can accommodate five). More players translates into a faster and more difficult game, though the extra help can make all the difference.