Welcome to Polynesia!
Hey there! I’m excited to tell you all about Polynesia, an amazing game where you can become a leader of a tribe and experience thrilling adventures. I’ll be your guide on this journey, so let’s dive right in!
Imagine this – you’re in Polynesia, a beautiful place filled with stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. However, things are starting to change. The ground is shaking, and the clouds above are transforming into something unusual. It’s clear that danger is looming, and your tribe needs a strong leader to survive.
In this game, you will take on the role of the tribe leader. Your main goal is to guide your tribe along treacherous sea routes in search of safe islands. It’s a race against time to find as many safe havens as possible and save your people!
Now, let’s talk strategy. You’ll need to plan your routes carefully, considering the resources and challenges each island presents. Some islands may have abundant food and water, while others may offer valuable tools and shelter. It’s up to you to make the best decisions for your tribe.
As you embark on this thrilling adventure, keep in mind that the journey won’t be easy. You’ll encounter unpredictable weather, treacherous waters, and even rival tribes vying for the same resources. But don’t worry, because you have what it takes to overcome these challenges!
Polynesia is not just a game of survival; it’s a test of leadership and strategy. You must make quick decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and always keep the well-being of your tribe in mind. Are you ready to take on this incredible journey?
Gather your tribe, prepare for an unforgettable adventure, and let the winds lead you to safety in the captivating world of Polynesia!
LET’S GET STARTED!
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of this game? Let me walk you through the setup process. First things first, grab the map and make sure it’s in the center of the playing area. Oh, and here’s a pro tip – make sure the side facing up matches the number of players in the game.
Now, it’s time to choose your color and board. This will represent you throughout the game. Cool, right? Once you’ve got your color and board all sorted out, it’s time to place your Ships in the Sea on your board. These Ships are your loyal companions on this wild journey.
Alright, we’re almost there. Now, it’s time to place your tribe. You’ll place eight of them in spaces two to seven. These little guys are an essential part of your strategy, so make sure to place them wisely. And don’t forget about the volcano! Five of your tribe members will call the main island with the volcano their home.
Awesome! You’re all set up and ready to go. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure!
Hey there! Let me walk you through the setup and gameplay of this awesome game.
First things first, we need to gather our resources. We each get three shells and three fish to start off with. These will be our reserve, so keep them safe!
Now, it’s time to set up the island. The Island tokens are placed randomly on the map, but with a twist – they’re face down! Each outlined island gets a green token, and the islands with huts get an orange token. Once they’re all placed, we’ll flip them over to reveal what’s underneath. Just a heads up, if any of the tokens have an X on them, they’re out of the game.
Next up, we need to prepare the bag of lava stones. They go in there together, all cozy-like. And don’t forget the tide cards! We’ll organize them by type and shuffle them up separately. Oh, and before we start, we’ll put a placeholder on the third space of the Phase Track.
Now, it’s time to determine who goes first. We’ll randomly choose the first player from our group. Once that’s settled, it’s game on!
GAMEPLAY
When I play this game, it’s all about taking turns and making decisions. Each round has two parts: the action phase and the maintenance phase. In the action phase, we each get a chance to do something. We take turns starting with the first player and going in a circle around the group. It’s exciting to see what everyone will choose to do.
There are three options for actions: exploring, traveling, and populating. You can pick any of these to do on your turn. Once you’ve made your choice and completed your action, it’s the next player’s turn to do the same. We go through these steps three times until the Phase Marker moves to the volcano space.
After the action phase, it’s time for the maintenance phase. This is when the starting player takes care of some important things. They resolve the different phases that need attention. It’s like tidying up and getting everything ready for the next round. We all wait eagerly to see what the starting player will do.
Let me break down the different phases of the game for you. First, we have the Volcano Eruption. This happens when the starting player takes a Lava Stone from the bag and puts it on the Volcano. Here’s what can happen:
- If the lava stone is grey, nothing happens.
- If the lava stone is black, two more lava stones are added to the Volcano.
- And if it’s the sixth red stone to be added, the game immediately ends.
If the game doesn’t end, the starting player will move the phase marker back to the beginning of the track, and a new round will start.

Game Over
The game is over when the last Red Lava Stone is taken out of the bag. At that point, the volcano erupts and the big island, along with the three smaller islands, are lost to the sea. If any members of your tribe are still on those islands, they will be destroyed.
Now it’s time to tally up your scores. Add up all your points. The player with the most points wins the game. But what if there’s a tie? Well, in that case, the player with the most surviving tribe members is the winner!
Hi, my name is Ellie! I live in Northeast Tennessee. I’m a big fan of animals, especially fantasy fiction novels, and I love spending time outdoors. My husband is great, and we have two furry friends who bring so much joy to our lives. It’s great to be a part of this amazing community!