Hellapagos

Hellapagos

BluffingNegotiationParty Game
Players
3-12
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
8 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
20 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
8+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.3 / 5
Year
2017

About the game

Hellapagos strands three to twelve players as shipwrecked castaways who must work together to build a raft and escape a desert island before a devastating hurricane strikes. Food and water are scarce, and while cooperation is necessary to survive, backstabbing, secret agendas, and self-interest make full cooperation nearly impossible. Players negotiate, vote, and scheme over a fast 20-minute playtime, with some castaways not making it off the island at all. It's a tense 'co-opetition' game where trust is a resource just as precious as supplies. Anything can happen when a dozen players are all fighting for a spot on the raft.

Hobbli's Notes

Hellapagos is fantastic for large groups who love loud, chaotic negotiation games: the fact that not everyone survives keeps the tension razor-sharp right to the end. It plays best with a big, talkative group willing to lie, scheme, and vote each other off the island. Quieter or more strategy-focused players may find the social chaos overwhelming.

What we like

  • Intense social negotiation and backstabbing keeps everyone talking.
  • Supports huge groups of up to twelve players.
  • Quick 20-minute playtime despite the chaos.
  • Semi-cooperative structure creates unpredictable alliances.

Keep in mind

  • Player elimination can leave some players out early.
  • Downtime can be high with larger groups waiting their turn.
  • Heavy negotiation may not suit quieter or strategy-focused players.

Who it's for

Great for large party groups ages 12 and up who enjoy negotiation, bluffing, and social chaos.

Mechanics

Lose a TurnPlayer EliminationPush Your LuckSemi-Cooperative GameSet CollectionTake ThatTurn OrderVoting

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