Guides
Strategy guide
Grudge Isle rewards two kinds of skill: reading the board, and reading the table. These guides cover both.
Opening placementWhere to put your first two settlements
Dice odds, resource balance, harbors, and why your second settlement matters more than you think.
Trading with AI rivalsGetting good deals from players who rememberHow to haggle, when to refuse, and how to use promises to buy goodwill.
Using the robberWho to rob, and what it costs youThe robber is the fastest way to make enemies. Use it on purpose.
Closing out a winThe last three points are the hardestWhy nobody trades with the leader, hidden points, and timing your finish.
The short version
- Settle on 6s and 8s and a spread of resources.
- Trade often, refuse rarely. Every refusal costs you something later.
- Pick your enemies. Rob the player who is ahead, not the one who's angry with you already.
- Hide your lead as long as you can. Once you're the leader, nobody trades with you.
The table is set. Five rivals, and every one of them keeps score.
Take a seat