Desert Island Draft
Pick survival items and explain your strategy
Game Overview.
Teams imagine they are stranded on a desert island and draft a limited number of objects. Each pick reveals personal priorities, skills, and playful debate skills.
Objectives
- ✓Spark lively discussion around priorities and problem solving
- ✓Highlight the diverse skills people bring to the team
- ✓Practice consensus building in a low-stakes setting
What You'll Need
- •List of 15-20 possible survival items
- •Whiteboard, slide, or shared doc to record picks
- •Timer to limit each round of drafting
Preparation
- 1Choose a relatable scenario such as desert island, lunar base, or polar expedition
- 2Publish the draft list before the game so people can plan alliances
- 3Set the number of items each team can select and whether duplicates are allowed
How to Play
STEP 1
Explain the Scenario
Describe the survival setting, the list of possible items, and the number of picks allowed per team.
STEP 2
Draft Round One
Let teams alternate selecting items, giving them 30 seconds to justify why their pick matters.
STEP 3
Strategize and Counter
After two rounds, pause so players can trade items or renegotiate priorities.
STEP 4
Share Outcomes
Have each team present their final pack-out strategy and the roles each member would play.
Pro Tips
- Use slides with imagery to help people visualize the setting
- Encourage humor but keep the tone respectful
- Award bonus points for creative reasoning or surprising skills
- Ask observers to vote on the most sustainable plan
Variations
Role Cards
Assign hidden roles like engineer or botanist and let players argue from that perspective.
Budget Draft
Give each item a point cost and limit the total budget.
Customer Survival Kit
Adapt the scenario to focus on what customers would need to succeed with your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this take?
A four-round draft with discussion fits within 15 minutes. Longer debates can fill a 30-minute workshop.
Do I need physical props?
No. A slide or shared doc works well, though tangible cards make it more tactile for in-person groups.
Is this good for kids?
Yes-as long as the survival scenario stays imaginative and age-appropriate.
Tags
Similar Games You Might Like.
Two Truths and a Lie
A Classic Ice Breaker Game for Any Setting
Each person shares three statements about themselves - two true and one false. Others guess which statement is the lie. Perfect for helping people learn interesting facts about each other.
Human Bingo
Interactive Ice Breaker for Large Groups
Participants receive bingo cards with different characteristics or experiences. They must find people who match each square and get their signatures. First to complete a row wins!
Virtual Background Challenge
Perfect for Remote Teams and Online Meetings
Participants choose creative virtual backgrounds that represent something about themselves. Others guess the meaning behind each background choice.