Forbidden Lands RPG: Survival and Exploration Tips

By Modiphius US | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Master the harsh world of Forbidden Lands with essential survival tips, hex crawl exploration rules, and resource management strategies.

Quick Answer

Surviving the Forbidden Lands requires careful resource management, smart hex crawl navigation, and knowing when to push your luck. Focus on securing food and water first, avoid unnecessary fights, and always have a backup plan for when the dice turn against you.

Understanding the Hex Crawl

The Forbidden Lands uses a hex crawl system where each hex represents a day of travel. You roll for random encounters and events as you move, so planning your route matters. Stick to known paths when possible to reduce risks, and always carry extra rations in case you get lost or delayed.

Resource Management Basics

Food, water, and arrows are your lifelines. Track them on your character sheet and restock at settlements whenever you can. A single failed foraging roll can leave your party starving, so assign one player to be the quartermaster and keep a running tally of supplies.

5 Steps to Survive the Forbidden Lands

Step 1: Secure Food and Water First: Before exploring, ensure your party has enough rations and water for at least three days. Forage in safe hexes and carry extra supplies. Checkpoint: If you have less than two days of food, turn back to the nearest settlement.
Step 2: Plan Your Hex Route: Use a map to plot a path that avoids dangerous terrain like mountains or swamps. Travel during daylight and rest at night to reduce encounter chances. Checkpoint: Mark at least one safe hex per day of travel where you can camp.
Step 3: Manage Your Gear Wisely: Only carry what you need. Encumbrance slows you down and makes survival rolls harder. Repair broken gear at campsites. Checkpoint: Drop or stash non-essential items before entering a dungeon.
Step 4: Know When to Push or Retreat: Not every fight is winnable. Use stealth and negotiation to avoid combat. If a battle turns bad, retreat and live to fight another day. Checkpoint: If more than half the party is wounded, retreat immediately.
Step 5: Use the Environment to Your Advantage: Set traps, use terrain for cover, and light fires to deter predators. A well-placed campfire can save your party from a night ambush. Checkpoint: Always scout a campsite before settling in for the night.

Gear Up for Survival

John Carter of Mars: Landscape and Location Card Deck: John Carter of Mars: Landscape and Location Card Deck is a science-fantasy roleplaying game from the mind of Edgar Rice Burroughs. It will transport you to Barsoom, an arid, dying land of ancient civilizations and fearsome creatures. While not directly for Forbidden Lands, this card deck offers a rich, desert-themed setting that can inspire survival scenarios and hex descriptions for your own campaign.