Spirit Island separates Powers by speed. Fast Powers resolve before the Invader Phase; Slow Powers resolve after it.
When are Power cards played?
During the Spirit Phase, choose the Power cards you will play that turn and immediately pay their Energy costs. This includes both Fast and Slow Powers.
When do you gain elements?
You gain the Elements on a Power card as soon as you play and pay for it. Elements are available even though a Slow Power’s text will not resolve until later.
Fast Powers
Resolve Fast Powers during the Fast Power Phase, before Fear and normal Invader actions.
Can a Fast Power be saved for later?
No. You cannot delay an unused Fast Power into the Slow Power Phase. Use its effect during the Fast phase or skip the effect.
Slow Powers
Resolve Slow Powers after the Invader Phase. This lets you react to the board state after Ravage, Build and Explore.
When do you choose the exact target?
Targeting requirements are checked when the Power resolves. In particular, a Slow Power does not force you to lock its exact target during the earlier Spirit Phase.
Can Powers interrupt each other?
No. When order matters, resolve Powers in an order chosen by the players, but finish resolving one Power before another Power interrupts it.
What if you skip a Power’s effect?
You may skip a Power’s text effect entirely. The card was still played, so its Elements remain available until they normally clear at Time Passes.
Related Spirit Island guides
Publisher source
Rules checked September 2026.