If your team’s plane went down and everyone somehow survived, how do you think they’d get on, living on a desert island? This one here is a fantastic team-building activity that gets the brains ticking.
The Desert Island Game drops your group into a survival scenario where they must choose a handful of items to keep themselves alive on a deserted island. Both the fun and the learning come from each person’s ideas about what’s essential to stay alive, and what isn’t.
The game can kickstart some awesome debates that put negotiation and collaboration to the test, as well as a bit of creative reasoning.
You can run it in person or remotely (just not on an actual island), and the goal is simple: to think fast, argue smart, and work together to “survive.”
What you’ll need:
Okay, teams, don’t start ordering real flare guns yet. Follow our checklist of every item you’ll need for a fantastic time:
- A list of survival items – Include 10–15 options like rope, a lighter, a tarp, a fishing net, or a water purifier (we’ve got a full list in our how to play section).
- A timer – 15–20 minutes keeps things focused but fast-paced.
- Pens and paper – For participants to jot down or rank their selections.
- A whiteboard or shared doc – To capture final team choices for group comparison.
- Teams or breakout groups – Smaller groups (4–6) spark more discussion and creativity.
- Optional extras – Virtual island backgrounds, themed music, or printed item cards if running in person.
How to play (step-by-step instructions)
Here are the steps to get your own Desert Island Game up and running.
- Step 1: Set the survival scene
Kick things off by delivering the bad news: your team’s plane has crashed, and they’re now stranded on a deserted island. The good news? Everyone gets to choose three items to stay alive. Read the scenario out loud, then hand out your survival item list. Our recommended list is:
- Compass
- A phone (which is out of battery)
- Lighter
- Sturdy boots
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Water filter
- A rifle with 3 bullets
- A mirror
- Flare gun
- Wood axe
- Fishing rod
- Hammock
- Hunting knife
- Inflatable raft
- Mosquito spray
- 100-yard rope
- Vegetable seeds
Feel free to add obscure objects, or follow our list of essentials. Get your teams to really think about staying alive indefinitely.
- Solo selection round
Ask everyone to take five minutes to pick their three essential items on their own. This step keeps groupthink at bay, as people will have to trust their instincts before hearing what others think. For virtual sessions, have everyone turn their mic and camera off while they decide, then switch it back on when ready.
- Group debate and consensus
Now the fun begins. Split everyone into small groups (4–6 people) and have them compare their lists. Each team must agree on a shared list of three survival items, and they’ll need to make their case for why each item deserves to stay. You’re going to be starting some passionate debates on survival theory (“I can use the tarp as a sail if we build a raft. Really!”)
Expect passionate pitches and a few questionable survival theories (“I can use the tarp as a sail if we build a raft!”).
- Re-evaluate and open “trade”
Once all groups have revealed their lists, open the floor for trades. Teams can adjust their final picks after hearing other arguments. This is a simple twist that pushes them to listen closely to what others have, or whether they just want to get rid of their second toilet roll. They can negotiate however they please, and this moment of adjustment often starts the best insight into how teams are working together.
- Add an extra, tricky twist
If you’ve got time, get funky with a variation on the rules. You could be a bit cruel and tell them every item needs to start with the same letter. Maybe each needs to cost under $20 from the supermarket, or fit into a backpack. An extra twist can spin the challenge on its head and provide a good belly laugh.
- Facilitator tip: keep it lively but
Keep the debates between members and teams lively, but make sure everyone has the chance to explain why they chose their items, not just what they chose. You’ll likely hear some great points from the often-quieter members. Pay close attention to unusual reasoning or shining moments of teamwork, as you’re probably seeing your hidden problem-solvers or leaders in action. A good facilitator can balance logic with playfulness, because half the game is in the ludicrous justifications and panicked bartering.
Debrief: What skills did your teams pick up?
As you debrief with your teams, you’ll likely notice that they hit some of these core tenets of teambuilding that apply to every workforce:
- Creative problem-solving under pressure: Teams learn quickly that survival takes imagination. Some players think practically, while others find clever new uses for ordinary items. It’s a reminder that creative thinking can sometimes outshine default logic, both on the island and at work.
- Communication and persuasion: The debate and trade sparks strong opinions, but also better listening. The best arguments win not through volume, but clarity and persuasion. It’s a fast way to reveal strong communicators and sharpen bartering skills.
- Consensus and compromise: Choosing just three items forces tough trade-offs. People practice negotiation, balancing personal preferences with group success. It’s a small-scale version of making team decisions in the face of real-world pressure.
- Adapting to new information: When someone changes their mind after hearing a smart argument, that can actually be another form of growth. It shows flexibility, open-mindedness, and how adapting fast can turn challenges into wins for the group.
When you’re ready to close the loop and give out the key takeaways for the group, ask them how they think today applies to their day-to-day work.
FAQ:
How long does the game take?
Typically, around 15-25 minutes from setup to debrief. Smaller groups can wrap up faster, while larger ones might need extra time for their survival debates.
What’s the ideal team size?
We find that teams of 4 - 6 strike the best balance. They’re small enough for everyone to speak and big enough for some fun disagreements. For bigger teams, split into smaller islands and compare results afterward.
Can this be done remotely?
It sure can! The Desert Island Game works fine over video calls. Use breakout rooms for small-group discussion and a shared document or whiteboard for everyone’s final choices.
What if team members disagree?
Well, that’s half the fun! Encourage people to persuade, but not to overbear. Let them debate openly, but timebox discussions so they don’t spiral. Remind everyone that compromise is often the key to survival, both on the island and in real-world teamwork.
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