Rapa Nui

About this board game

Rapa Nui is a board game for 2–4 players, with games lasting about 45 minutes, in which tribal chiefs develop their villages and honor the gods on Easter Island. Set between the 13th and 17th centuries, it draws on the monumental Moai erected on the Polynesian island of Rapa Nui.

Each turn unfolds in three phases. Players take turns sending one of their figurines onto the board until all figurines have been placed. The sorcerer determines the order of the next turn, while villagers take on roles as transporters or sculptors.

In the Quarry, the number of sculptors present determines which Moai sizes each player collects. Moai and Pukao must be transported through a continuous chain of transporters, whether those transporters belong to your clan or another. However, using an opponent’s transporter provides that opponent with a resource.

When a Moai reaches its destination, you can erect it and take an Ahu tile, which can be played at your chosen time. The Moai’s size also determines the number of resources you receive. Styling your Moai lets you exchange resources to acquire Offering tiles, helping you honor your ancestors and build spiritual and political influence.

Rapa Nui ends at the close of a round when the number of Ahu without a Moai is less than or equal to the number of players. The winner is the player with the most victory points from Offering and Outstanding Offering tiles.