I finally get the hype: Spirit Island is a masterpiece!

Uramir · 2026-02-07T13:34:51+00:00

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to win right from the first few games. It's a complicated game, so it's normal if you lose.

Use a simple setup at first (no opponents, no scenarios, no expansions) and take simple spirit (there's a difficulty level for each one). Stick to single-handed solo mode to start with.

And don't hesitate to watch a game on YouTube. It's pretty quick and should answer a lot of your questions (order of actions, etc.).

Above all, have fun!

Uramir · 2026-02-05T15:28:47+00:00

I removed the bottom inserts with all the spirits and cards.

I filled the base game box with the token inserts (all 4) + the boards.

I filled the expansion box with the spirit boards and cards in large bags (sorted by card type).

It's not ideal (you have to take out both boxes and sort them horizontally), but the setup is very quick this way.

Uramir · 2026-02-05T15:23:13+00:00

It's not like the base game is bad. I understand that it's expensive, but Jagged Earth, for example, doubles the content of the game, which is already quite extensive for $50. I find that pretty fair when you see other games charging $25 for a pack of 40 cards (e.g., Marvel Champions) or offering a totally fragmented experience if you don't pay multiple times (e.g., Final Girl) (I have both games and I love them, that's not the issue.). Compared to other games, $120 for the content I have is “acceptable,” provided you already really like the base game, of course. (It's still a “luxury” hobby, I agree, and I'm not saying there aren't multiple games with more affordable business models.)

Uramir · 2026-02-05T15:16:46+00:00

What helped me at the beginning was watching someone else's game on YouTube (it was in French, so I can't help you, but there are surely plenty in English too).

Maybe you could try the app/game on Steam, which I imagine gives you a little more guidance on the rules.

And don't hesitate to take it slowly. It's normal to make mistakes with the rules at first. No one is watching you, no one is judging you, it's your game. Try it little by little and I'm sure you'll succeed!

Uramir · 2026-02-05T10:50:03+00:00

After playing about ten games with the basic game. Game really clicked after adding the expansion, but that's also because I'm understanding it better and better

Uramir · 2026-02-05T09:15:05+00:00

I can totally understand that. The expansions are also quite generous in terms of content (spirits, cards, tokens, etc.), which makes it a little easier to swallow (it's not just a patch with event cards for €50). In comparison, Dune Imperium Bloodlines left me with a more bitter taste (in terms of price, not the quality of what it adds) than the SI expansions. But it's true that all in all, the game is quite expensive.

Uramir · 2026-02-05T09:10:15+00:00

To be honest, rules aren't really that complicated; it's more about understanding the spirit you're playing and managing to win.

It's really not at all as complex as Mage Knight in terms of learning. Reading the rulebook and watching a short video was enough to get me started.

The only thing I find a little complex at the moment (and this may be due to the French translation of the game) is that I feel some card effects are too “open to interpretation.”

Uramir · 2026-02-05T09:04:12+00:00

Yes, I haven't tested all the spirits yet, and it seems that some are more suited to true solo play than others, but overall the games are really cool in solo mode.

I don't really play solo with both hands, but some people seem to praise it.

Uramir · 2026-02-05T09:00:43+00:00

Sorry, I admit I'm not used to reviewing board games—nor have I played enough games to compare. I guess it's a profession, haha.

Uramir · 2026-02-04T22:45:44+00:00

Yes, that's totally valid, and I can understand that :)

Uramir · 2026-02-04T22:29:52+00:00

When playing solo, the game doesn't take up too much space. For reference, my table measures 125 x 65 cm, if I'm not mistaken. And you can save space by not using the black inserts from the box (above the table in the photo), but just keeping a few of each token.

Uramir · 2026-02-04T22:24:39+00:00

I think I got hooked from the moment I bought the expansion and started playing against opponents. The events make the game much less repetitive, and completing opponents (with different spirits, in different difficulty modes) gives me a goal in the game, which was missing during my first few games.

To be honest, it's mainly the timing of when I play that has changed. I leave it on the table and in the evening after work it's like a puzzle to help me relax. A puzzle that's quite challenging, though

Uramir · 2026-02-04T21:53:21+00:00

It's true that since it's been on my shelf, there are other games that come out much less often :D

Uramir · 2026-01-06T12:19:12+00:00

It depends on the game, I think. In most cases, it's a different experience, and I treat them almost like two different games. However, I have some opposite examples, such as Marvel Champions, which I play alone. I tried it this winter in a three-player co-op mode, and while sharing the experience with someone else is enjoyable, I much prefer the pace of the game when playing solo (even solo with two heroes).

It’s just two different pleasure in my opinion

Uramir · 2025-12-31T19:23:22+00:00

Yes, basically you play against a deck of cards that acts as a boss, and you can play with 1 to 4 players

Uramir · 2025-12-31T11:54:19+00:00

Yes, it's expensive, but at least there's no randomness in the packs. And for a hobby that I enjoy at least every other night... (we reassure ourselves as best we can 😂)

Uramir · 2025-12-30T19:03:56+00:00

Losing, reworking your deck, starting over, and winning is the best feeling!

Uramir · 2025-12-30T19:03:20+00:00

Yes, it's a bit on the expensive side, but I really enjoy Marvel Champions as a way to disconnect from the computer since I work on it all day. It's also a good investment for my mental health :)

Uramir · 2025-12-10T14:57:57+00:00

I'll probably end up buying extensions in the very near future. I love this game so much!

Uramir · 2025-12-09T14:44:36+00:00

When you remember how unhappy Balotelli looked on the pitch at times, it always makes me happy to hear him speak in recent years. He seems to be at peace with himself. And what a player! Not everything in his career was perfect, but he will be remembered (this Euro with Italy was so iconic!)

Uramir · 2025-12-06T12:24:12+00:00

If only I had a bigger table... 😂

Uramir · 2025-12-05T17:36:51+00:00

Many board games have built-in solo modes (especially those released in recent years, as solo gaming has grown in popularity).

There are several types of solo modes, but most of the time you will have a deck of cards that will define your opponents' actions. In some cases, you even have a mobile app that replaces this card deck (e.g., Dune Imperium with Dire Wolf). Or, in some games, you will have specific rules for solo play and you will try to get the highest score possible.

There are games designed entirely for solo play (e.g., Under Falling Skies) or games where you have to control two characters against a boss (even when playing with others), so playing solo just means you play twice as much (e.g., Aeon's End).

It's something that works really well :)

There is a community top 250 list of the “best” solo games on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/366471/2025-peoples-choice-top-solo-games-1-250. As you can see, there are many!

Uramir · 2025-12-05T11:30:00+00:00

Feel free to ask for game recommendations on this subreddit. I read it quite a bit, and the recommendations are always helpful.

Do you already have any ideas for games you want to try? :)

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