Palm Island
Palm Island at your next game night?
Add Palm Island to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Jon Mietling
- Publisher Portal Dragon , Broadway Toys LTD , KOSMOS , Lucky Duck Games , Nuts! Publishing
- Illustration Jon Mietling , Mirko Suzuki
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Palm Island, you shape your island using just 17 cards over 8 rounds. Manage resources, upgrade buildings, and adapt to unique challenges. The game requires no table and can be played solo, cooperatively, or competitively. The deck-transforming mechanic dynamically changes your village with every decision.
Who Is This Game For?
Palm Island targets hobby and casual gamers aged 10 and up who enjoy short, strategic, mobile games. With a playtime of about 15 minutes, it demands little patience, and prior experience with hand management or deck-building is helpful but not mandatory.
How It Works
The game combines Deck, Bag, and Pool Building with Hand Management and Move Through Deck mechanics. Players use cards as resources, build upgrades, and activate abilities. Simultaneous action selection creates interaction, even in solo and cooperative modes. Memory elements arise as cards transform throughout the game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jon Mietling, Palm Island was nominated for the 2018 Golden Geek Best Card Game and Best Solo Board Game. Its unique portable format requires no table and blends city-building with innovative deck management. It belongs to the Islands and Containers game families.
Awards
2018
- 2020 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Highly portable, no table needed
- Short playtime of about 15 minutes
- Multiple modes: solo, cooperative, competitive
- Innovative deck-transforming mechanic
Contra
- Limited to 1-2 players
- Simple components due to small card count
- May be too short and light for some
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set on a fictional island where you build and develop your village. The theme focuses on island and city-building without needing a table, ideal for mobile play.
Tips for beginners
Focus on efficient resource use and pay attention to how your cards change throughout the game.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Palm Island includes solo features and can be played alone.
How long does a game really take?
A game takes about 15 minutes, perfect for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of hand management or deck-building helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Palm Island stands out with its portable design and deck-transforming mechanic requiring no table.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable from age 10, more of a hobby game than a classic family game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The core mechanics are Deck, Bag, and Pool Building combined with Hand Management and Move Through Deck.
Fazit
Palm Island is highly recommended for players seeking a compact, strategic card game on the go, especially for solo or two-player sessions. Those preferring longer, more complex games may find it too short.
Palm Island at your next game night?
Add Palm Island to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Palm Island to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
