Roll for the Galaxy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Roll for the Galaxy?

Roll for the Galaxy is a popular board game that offers a unique and immersive experience. It is a dice game that combines strategy, luck, and storytelling. In this game, players take on the role of spacefaring civilizations, exploring and settling new planets, developing technologies, and competing to build the most prosperous and dynamic empire in the galaxy.

How do you play Roll for the Galaxy?

To play Roll for the Galaxy, each player starts with a set of dice that represent workers and resources. On their turn, players assign these dice to various actions and roles, such as exploring new planets, developing technologies, producing goods, or shipping them for victory points. The players’ choices and strategies will determine how their civilizations grow and compete with others.

What makes Roll for the Galaxy unique?

Roll for the Galaxy stands out from other board games thanks to its innovative dice mechanics. The rolling of dice represents the unpredictable nature of exploring space, adding an element of luck to the game. However, players have control over how they assign their dice, allowing them to mitigate the luck factor and make strategic decisions. This blend of luck and strategy creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

How long does a game of Roll for the Galaxy take?

The duration of a game of Roll for the Galaxy can vary depending on the number of players and their playing styles. On average, a game lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The game offers a satisfying gameplay experience that strikes a balance between being challenging and accessible.

Can Roll for the Galaxy be played by both casual and experienced gamers?

Absolutely! Roll for the Galaxy appeals to both casual and experienced gamers. The game’s rules are straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible to newcomers. At the same time, it offers enough depth and strategic choices to keep experienced players engaged. This versatility makes it a great choice for game nights with friends and family.

Are there expansions or additional content for Roll for the Galaxy?

Yes, there are expansions and additional content available for Roll for the Galaxy. These expansions introduce new gameplay elements, such as new dice, technologies, and goals, adding even more variety and replayability to the game. If you’re a fan of Roll for the Galaxy, you’ll love exploring these expansions and discovering new strategies.

Can Roll for the Galaxy be played solo?

Yes, Roll for the Galaxy can be played solo. The game includes a solo variant that allows players to test their strategic skills against an automated opponent. This solo variant provides a challenging and enjoyable experience for those who prefer playing alone or want to practice their strategies.

Where can I buy Roll for the Galaxy?

Roll for the Galaxy is available for purchase at various board game retailers and online marketplaces. You can check your local game stores or visit reputable online retailers to purchase the game. Additionally, you may find it available for purchase or trade on board game forums and marketplaces.

Q: Why do the Produce icons vary on differently colored dice? #image.jpg

Great question! Let me explain it to you. The different colored dice icons are actually designed to assist players who are color-blind. You see, not everyone can easily distinguish between colors. So, by using different icons on the dice, it helps color-blind players to understand and differentiate between them. It’s a small but helpful detail that makes the game more accessible to everyone!

Q: Why do green world tiles have a small dot in their upper-left corners?

Another excellent question! Paying attention to the small details, I like that. The small dot you see in the upper-left corner of green world tiles serves a purpose. It is specifically added to help color-blind players distinguish between Genes (green) worlds and Rare elements (brown) worlds. These dots act as a visual cue, making it easier for color-blind players to navigate the game and interact with the different elements. It’s always nice to see game designers taking accessibility into consideration!

So there you have it! These small but significant details make Roll for the Galaxy a game that welcomes all players, regardless of any color-blindness. It’s all about creating an inclusive experience where everyone can participate and enjoy the game!

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Setup

Q: Do I have to choose my two start tiles with the lower costs face-up?

A: Nope, that rule only applies to your first game.

Q: Can I place both start tiles in the same construction zone stack?

Q: Can I retrieve goods from my starting tableau at the beginning of the game?

A: No, you can only retrieve dice during the Manage Empire step.

Assign

Q: Do the die faces have to match the phases they are assigned to?

A: Nope, a die might not match its phase because of Reassign powers or if it’s used to select a phase.

Q: Can I assign workers with ‘wild’ faces after the phase selections are revealed?

A: No, all workers must be assigned to phases before the Reveal.

Q: Do I have to choose a phase before I can use Reassign powers?

#image.jpgDiscover

Q: Do I need to use all of my explorers during an exploration phase?

A: Yes (each explorer must either scout or gather supplies).

Q: Do I have to plan in advance what each of my explorers will do?

A: No, you can decide on each task as you go along. Determine whether each explorer will scout or gather supplies when you perform the task.

Q: What happens if a player who is scouting needs to draw more tiles than there are in the bag?

A: If all the tiles in the bag have been drawn, the player completes the scouting task by taking all the abandoned tiles under the exploration phase tile, placing them back in the bag, and then drawing the additional needed tiles.

Q: What happens if there are still not enough tiles after doing the above?

A: I’ll tell you! After the Scouting player has done everything mentioned above, he puts all the tiles he has drawn so far in his construction zone. Then, each player who has at least 3 tiles in their construction zone, including the Scouting player, needs to give up 1 tile back into the bag. That’s not all! The Scouting player then draws more tiles to complete the task.

When the bag is running low on tiles, we might decide to go through the entire Explore phase one by one, following the timing rules, just to be safe.

#image.jpg#image.jpgDevelop and Settle

Q: Do I have to use all of my developers (or settlers)?

I have a question: do I need to place one developer at a time on the top tile of my construction zone if I already have developments? And, should I use all the discounts I have? What if I end up with more than 12 tile squares in my tableau? Let me find out.

Q: Must I use all applicable discounts I have (such as Replicant Robots)?

A: Yes, you should use all the discounts you have. It’s an advantage to take advantage of those discounts, after all!

+Q: Can I have more than 12 tile squares in my tableau?

A: Yes, you can have more than 12 tile squares in your tableau. In fact, you can build several tiles during the final round, which may result in having more than 12 tile squares.

Produce and Ship

Q: Must producers match the color of a world in order to produce there?

A: No, producers don’t have to match the color of a world in order to produce there. Any color producer can produce on any non-gray world, making it a good place to produce.

Q: Is a good’s Trade value determined by its world’s color (instead of the good’s color)?

Q: Do I have to declare in advance what all my shippers will do?

A: No, you can decide on each task – Trade or Consume – for each shipper as you go.

Q: Will #image.jpgwild faces give me more VP chips when I use them in Consume?

A: No, only the colors of the dice involved matter for Consume, not their symbols.

Q: Can I purposely match different goods and shippers to earn less VP chips when I Consume?

A: Yes, sometimes it can be strategically beneficial to do this.

Manage My Empire

Q: Do I have to recruit as many dice as I can afford from my Citizenry?

Q: Is there any reason to recall workers on the last round?

Q: So, does the tie-breaking rule include dice in the cup but not workers in the construction zone or goods?

Immediate Effects

Q: When I remove a die as part of an immediate effect, can I remove any of my dice?

Q: Do I get any additional effects when I remove a die from my cup, phase strip, construction zone, or any of my worlds?

A: No. Even if you remove the only die used to select a phase, that phase will still happen.

Development Powers

Q: When can I use a development’s power?

A: You can only use reassign powers during the Assign step. All other powers can only be used during specific phase(s) (except for Galactic Reserves, which is explained in the boxed section below).

Q: How many times can a power be used per phase?

A: You can use a power as many times as it is “triggered”.

Example: Public Works gives you $1 when you finish a development. If you build it and 2 more developments, you’ll receive $2 from Public Works during that phase.

Q: Do I need workers assigned to a phase to activate powers that occur in it?

Q: Can I use a development’s power in the phase that I build it?

Q: Can I move a die in the Dictate area to a different location?

Q: Can a power that moves multiple workers put them in different columns?

Q: Can I use power that moves workers to affect those showing #image.jpg Wild Faces?

A: Yes (though it’s not usually a good strategy).

Q: Can a power that moves workers put a die without a specific phase symbol (on any face) into that phase?

A: Yes, having an Alien explorer might seem puzzling since Alien dice don’t feature any Explore faces. However, this is where the versatility of the game comes in. A die’s column, rather than its faces, determines the type of worker it represents. So, even though an Alien die doesn’t have an Explore face, you can still have an Alien worker that functions as an explorer.

Q: How does the column on a die determine the type of worker?

A: The column on a die is crucial in determining the worker type because each column corresponds to a specific worker. For example, if the die is in the first column, it represents a Marine worker. In the second column, it represents a Pilot worker. The third column represents a Scientist worker, the fourth column represents an Alien worker, and the fifth column represents a Diplomat worker. So, by looking at the column, you can easily identify the type of worker.

Q: Can I mix and match different workers from different columns on my dice?

A: Absolutely! One of the fascinating aspects of the game is the ability to mix and match different workers from different columns. This flexibility allows for diverse strategies and creative gameplay. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and combine workers from different columns to maximize your efficiency and success.

Q: Are there any special abilities tied to specific worker types?

A: Yes, each worker type in the game has its own unique special ability. These abilities can provide various advantages and opportunities for strategic decision-making. For example, the Marine is excellent at combat, the Pilot can travel long distances quickly, the Scientist excels in researching new technology, the Alien worker can morph into any other worker type, and the Diplomat can influence and negotiate with other players. So, make sure to leverage these special abilities to your advantage.

Q: How do I acquire different workers for my dice?

A: Acquiring different workers for your dice is an exciting part of the game. You can obtain workers through various means, such as exploring new planets, participating in trade agreements, or even engaging in battles. Each method offers its own set of opportunities and challenges, so it’s essential to consider your overall strategy and objectives when acquiring workers.

Q: Can I upgrade my workers or make them more powerful?

A: Absolutely! The game allows you to upgrade and enhance your workers as you progress. Through certain actions and events, you can unlock upgrades that improve your workers’ abilities or make them more powerful. These upgrades can significantly impact your gameplay, providing you with a competitive edge. So, always keep an eye out for opportunities to upgrade your workers and make them even more formidable.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the number of workers I can have on my dice?

A: No, there are no restrictions on the number of workers you can have on your dice. You can have as many workers as you acquire and are able to manage effectively. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between quantity and quality. Having a multitude of workers can be advantageous, but it’s equally important to ensure that each worker contributes effectively to your overall strategy.

Q: How important is worker placement in the game?

A: Worker placement is a vital aspect of the game. The strategic placement of your workers determines the actions you can take and the resources you can acquire. It allows you to optimize your decisions and maximize your efficiency. So, make sure to carefully consider where you place your workers and think strategically about the actions you want to prioritize.

Q: How can I assign an Alien die to the Explore phase?

A: You have a few options to assign an Alien die to the Explore phase. First, you can use the Reassign power, which allows you to move an Alien die to the Explore column. Another option is to directly use an Alien die to select the Explore phase. Lastly, you can assign a wild Alien die to the Explore phase.

Q: Can powers affect dice that are assigned to a phase even if their faces don’t match the symbols shown on the dice in the power’s icon?

A: Yes, powers can still affect dice that are assigned to a phase, regardless of whether their faces match the symbols shown on the dice in the power’s icon. The column that the die is assigned to determines which of the five possible workers it represents.

Q: Do Consumption (purple) dice count as other colors when evaluating powers or during Game End scoring?

A: No, Consumption dice do not count as other colors for the purpose of evaluating powers or during Game End scoring. They only match colors when earning VP chips during the Consume phase.

Q: What does it mean to “round up” in the context of development powers?

A: In the context of development powers, “round up” means that any partial amount is treated as if it were one full unit.

Example 1: When I have Space Piracy in my possession, I earn 1 Credit for every 2 Military dice I have in my Citizenry at the end of each Ship phase. If I have 3 Military dice, I get IV2 Credits, which means 2 Credits.

Example 2: With the New Galactic Order, I get a bonus of 2 VPs at the end of the game for each set of 3 Military dice I have. Let’s say I have 4 Military dice, which means IVs sets of Military dice. That rounds up to 2 sets of Military dice, and each set is worth 2 VPs. So, I get a total of 4 bonus VPs.