To set up, place a central board representing the island on the table, and give each player a personal map they will use to transcribe their discoveries. Each turn, players choose two actions among these:

• Move their explorer pawn on the central board.
• Discover new terrains close to your explorer pawn, choosing from four randomly drawn tiles.
• Claim control of areas.

A type of terrain on the central island must be explored twice before being validated. Thus, the unvalidated terrain types can change — "You thought you saw grass? You were mistaken." — and then your personal map will no longer match the central board.

You have to find the ideal balance between your personal objectives, and a correct cartography of the island.