Tips for Winning at Spirit Island

Have you ever found yourself using a Power Card on lands that it can’t actually target? It can be frustrating, but don’t worry too much about it!

When you first start playing Spirit Island, it’s common to make small mistakes here and there. These mistakes won’t ruin the game; they’ll just make it a little bit easier or harder. The most important thing is that everyone is having fun!

If you realize that you’ve made a mistake, there’s no need to go back and try to fix it. Just make a mental note of the correct rule and apply it moving forward. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game, not to get everything perfect.

Tips for Teaching Spirit Island

• When teaching new players, you might be tempted to take control of the Invaders yourself, since you know how they act. However, it’s better to guide the new players through the process so they can learn how the Invaders spread. This understanding is crucial for effective gameplay.
• Make sure the new player uses a low-complexity spirit with a Power Progression Really.

Starting Out Strong

Don’t worry if you’re new to this, these tips will guide you through your first games.

Dealing with the Invaders

• Prioritize destroying or moving Explorers to prevent the Invaders from spreading.
• Attack and eliminate Invaders before they can cause harm to the land and its inhabitants, the Dahan.
• Remember, once the Invaders explore a particular terrain, they will build there on the next turn and ravage it the turn after. This predictability helps you plan your slow powers effectively.

Choosing the Right Spots for Your Presence/Sacred Sites

• Place your presence close enough to the Invaders so that you can use all your powers against them.
• Avoid lands where Invaders are about to ravage and cause blight, as it will destroy your presence.

How to Collaborate with Others in the Game

When playing the game, it’s important to spread your presence out across the island so you can collaborate with other players. By doing so, you’ll be able to work together and achieve greater success. For example, if three of your “1 Damage Powers” are used, they can actually destroy a City! So, it’s crucial to be connected and coordinate your efforts.

The Power of Sacred Sites

Now, let’s talk about Sacred Sites. Many Damaging Powers and beneficial Fear effects actually require Sacred Sites to function. Therefore, it’s wise to place your Sacred Sites close to the Invaders. This will not only give you more options for using your abilities, but it will also help protect the island from the enemy.

Moving the Dahan

You may be wondering, “Where should I move the Dahan?” Well, I have a few suggestions for you:

• Move the Dahan into lands with a few Invaders. This is because many Fear effects will scare off Invaders from lands with Dahan, or inspire the Dahan to fight back. If the Invaders are about to ravage a land with Dahan, the surviving Dahan will fight back and defend their home.
• Move the Dahan out of lands with many Invaders. If the Dahan are in a land that is about to be ravaged by the Invaders, it’s best to save them by getting them out of harm’s way. This way, they can survive and continue to support your cause.

Miscellaneous Tips

Lastly, here are a few miscellaneous tips to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye out for the spread of Blight. Once it starts cascading, it can spread quickly. So, try to clean up lands before a second Blight is added. Prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences!

Remember, collaboration is key in this game. By working together, utilizing your Sacred Sites and strategic Dahan movements, and keeping an eye on the spread of Blight, you can save the island and achieve victory!

If you’re having trouble finding good targets for your Powers, that could mean two different things:

1. You’re doing great! If you have the Invaders on the ropes, focus on winning the game!
2. Your Presence/Sacred Sites aren’t near the parts of the board you want to affect. Focus on placing Presence and Sacred Sites in areas where your Powers can reach the Invaders.

If you’re constantly running low on Energy, try these tips:

• Place more Presence from your Energy Track.
• Don’t use all of your Power Card plays.
• Choose less expensive Power Cards.
• Consider taking an Energy-granting Growth option for a turn or two.

Major Powers require a lot of Energy to play and you have to Forget one of your existing Power Cards to gain them. It’s usually a good idea to choose Minor Powers for your first few picks.