Gamewright
Gamewright Forbidden Desert Cooperative Survival Adventure Board Game, 2-5 Players
A cooperative survival game for 2 to 5 players, ages 10 and up, where the whole table works together to uncover a legendary flying machine and escape a deadly desert. The listing gives a playtime of about 45 minutes.
See current price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Highlights
- Cooperative: players work together to uncover a legendary flying machine
- For 2 to 5 players, ages 10 and up
- About 45 minutes of playtime
About Forbidden Desert
This is the older-kids cooperative pick: a survival game where the table wins or loses together. It averages 4.8 stars across 3,820 ratings, though Amazon shows that rating on a listing with more than one style. One reviewer calls it easy to teach and still challenging.
Two cautions come from one of the reviews shown: the buyer says the rules felt overwhelming at first and took a few learning games, and also points out that a character can die in the game, which can upset younger kids. The listing is for ages 10 and up, so it suits the older end of a family game night.
The Honest Take
What We Like and What We Don't
What we like
- Cooperative, so the table wins or loses together
- 4.8 stars across 3,820 ratings
- One reviewer calls it easy to teach and still challenging
What holds it back
- One reviewer needed a few learning games before the rules clicked
- A character can die in the game, which can upset younger kids, per one reviewer
- Rated for ages 10 and up
Is This For You?
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
Get it if…
You want a cooperative game for kids around 10 and up, or for a family that has outgrown the simple ones.
Skip it if…
The kids are younger than the listed 10+, or you want a game with no learning curve.
The verdict
A well-reviewed cooperative strategy game for older kids and families. Expect a short learning curve.
What Real Buyers Say
“This game is fantastic. It's very easy to understand and teach. The instructions are extremely well written. Despite being really easy to pick up/understand, it's still a challenging game.”
United States · May 16, 2018
“This is a great family game. The rules and mechanics are a little hit and miss. They were very overwhelming at first and we had to play the game a few times in our learning mode before we really understood everything. After that it was a simple and easy game. The only downside is your character can die. If you are playing with younger ones, they can get upset at that.”
United States · May 31, 2018
“From the very first turn, it pulls everyone into a tense, strategic struggle for survival as you work together to escape a deadly desert before it's too late.”
United States · December 31, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is Forbidden Desert for?
The listing says ages 10 and up, for 2 to 5 players.
How long does a game take?
The listing gives about 45 minutes of playtime.
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