From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Forbidden Desert?

English Gamewright rules

The person who is thirstiest starts.

Source & edition

Forbidden Desert: Gamewright rulesGamewright · Order of Play, PDF page 3 · Checked 2026-09-23
PDF page 3

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If there’s a tie

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/forbidden-desert-gamewright-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Forbidden Desert?</strong> The person who is thirstiest starts.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/forbidden-desert-gamewright-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (English Gamewright rules)</p>
</blockquote>

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