Discover the Rules of 7 Wonders Cities Game

Welcome to the exciting world of 7 Wonders Cities! In this expansion, you’ll get to explore a new side of the magnificent cities from ancient times. With 27 new cards, you’ll have access to unique buildings that have never been seen before, each with their own special effects. And that’s not all – this expansion also introduces 3 Guilds, 6 Leaders, and 2 additional Wonders, adding even more depth and excitement to the game. What’s more, 7 Wonders Cities accommodates up to 8 players, and there’s even a team variant for those who prefer cooperative play.

The Key Components

• 2 Wonder boards
• 2 Wonder cards
• 9 Age I City cards
• 9 Age II City cards
• 9 Age III City cards
• 3 Guild cards
• 6 Leader cards
• 27 Debt token -1 value
• 4 Debt token -5 value
• 3 Diplomacy tokens
• 1 score booklet
• 1 rulebook

Game Elements

Wonder Boards

I’m excited to tell you that we have 2 new Wonder boards available. Now, you can enjoy playing with the Al-Khazneh of Petra and the Cathedral of Byzantium!

City Cards

Have you seen the new black City cards? They are a fresh addition to the game! In each game, 9 of these City cards will be randomly mixed with Age I, II, and III cards.

Guild And Leader Cards

We have introduced new Guilds and Leaders for you to explore. They are meant to expand your options and enhance your experience with the game. Don’t forget to check them out!

Note: Some of these cards are made specifically for use with the Cities expansion.

The cards from this expansion can be easily sorted by the mask symbol in the bottom center.

Debt Tokens

Now, cities can lose money and may even accumulate debt, which is represented by the Debt tokens (costing either -1 VP or -5 VP).

Diplomacy Tokens

The Diplomacy tokens are used to demonstrate the new “Diplomacy” effect.

Score Booklet

A new scorecard booklet is included in the box. It will help you keep track of the victory points earned through City cards and team scores.

Before We Begin

To start the game, you need to add black cards to each of the three Age decks. The number of black cards should match the number of players.

Here’s a clarification: when adding the black cards, make sure to choose them randomly without looking at them. The remaining cards will be hidden and won’t be used during the game.

Next, you’ll add the new Guilds to the existing ones. However, the number of Guilds used in play will stay the same. The formula for determining the number of Guilds is: number of Guilds = number of players + 2.

Now, it’s time to place the Debt and Diplomacy tokens in the middle of the table, along with the coins and Conflict tokens.

Let me give you an example to illustrate the setup process. Imagine Kurt is preparing a game for 6 players. He removes the 7+ cards from the basic game. Then, he randomly selects 6 Age I City cards, 6 Age II City cards, and 6 Age III City cards. He adds them to the corresponding Age decks. Additionally, he includes 8 Guilds in the Age III deck.

Playing the Game

When you start playing the game, each player will receive a hand of 8 cards, instead of the usual 7. This means that during each round, you get to play one extra card. Don’t worry, the core rules of the game stay the same.

Now, let’s talk about two important new mechanics in the game: debt and diplomacy.

Debt Mechanic

When a player plays a card with the symbol, it makes everyone else lose coins. You have to pay the corresponding amount or take a Debt token for each coin you can’t pay. You can choose to pay some in coins and take Debt tokens for the rest.

At the end of the game, having Debt tokens means losing victory points.

Here’s some clarification:

• The player who plays the card that makes others lose money is not affected.
• The coins lost by the players go to the bank.
• You can’t pay back the debts you owe.

Important: Money losses are always resolved at the end of a turn, after everyone has played their cards, maybe buying or getting money.

Example: My friend Kurt just played a card called “Lair.” So, at the end of this turn, all of us playing the game have to pay 2 coins. It’s like a fine or a fee. My friend Joan decides to pay the 2 coins right away. She hands them over to the bank, and she’s done with it. Now, my other friend Cyril, he only has one coin in his stash. But he still decides to pay it so that he only gets one Debt token. And then there’s my friend Tina. She actually has the 2 coins that we need to pay, but she wants to keep them for later in the game. So instead, she takes 2 Debt tokens. It’s all about choosing how you want to handle your coins and debts in the game.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy is a skill that has been practiced throughout history by individuals and nations alike. It is a craft that entails navigating complex social and political landscapes, with the goal of forging connections, maintaining peace, and resolving conflicts. When I think about diplomacy, I am filled with curiosity and wonder at the intricate dance of communication and negotiation that takes place behind closed doors.

One of the fascinating aspects of diplomacy is its ability to bridge divides and foster understanding between different cultures and perspectives. By engaging in thoughtful dialogue and seeking common ground, diplomats can build relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation. This is no easy task, as it requires careful listening, empathy, and a willingness to find creative solutions.

Another important function of diplomacy is the role it plays in averting and managing conflicts. Diplomats act as intermediaries, using their skills to de-escalate tense situations and find peaceful resolutions. They understand that war and violence are not inevitable, and that through dialogue and compromise, lasting agreements can be reached.

Diplomacy also plays a key role in addressing global challenges. Whether it’s tackling climate change, promoting human rights, or combating terrorism, diplomacy provides a forum for nations to come together and work towards shared solutions. By fostering cooperation and collaboration, diplomats can strive towards a more peaceful and secure world.

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of diplomacy cannot be overstated. As we navigate complex global issues and face new and evolving threats, diplomacy remains a crucial tool in our toolkit. It requires skilled individuals who can navigate intricate diplomatic waters with tact and grace.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys building bridges, finding common ground, and making a positive impact on the world, then you’ll love the world of diplomacy. It is a calling that demands patience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to peace and understanding.

In conclusion, diplomacy is not just a skill, but an art form. It requires an understanding of cultural nuances, a keen sense of strategy, and a genuine belief in the power of dialogue. By embracing diplomacy, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and opportunities for positive change. So, if you’re looking for a career that combines intellect, compassion, and a drive for a better world, then diplomacy might just be the path for you.

When a player plays a card with the symbol, they get a Diplomacy token from the bank and put it on their board.

It’s important to let your opponents know that you’re taking a Diplomacy Token so that you don’t get surprised during the next conflict.

During the next Conflict, you won’t participate in the resolution and you MUST discard this Diplomacy token.

You will be absent during the resolution and won’t receive any Conflict tokens (victory or defeat).

Your two neighboring cities will be considered adjacent (only for this Conflict) and will face off militarily following the usual rules.

Example: Let me tell you a story about a game called Age I. In this game, there’s a character named Tina who plays the Residence card. When the Age comes to an end, Tina doesn’t participate in the conflict resolution. Instead, her two neighbors, Cyril and Kurt, compare their military forces and take the Conflict tokens as if their cities were next to each other.

Clarifications :

• During conflict resolution, a player can acquire multiple Diplomacy tokens. However, they must discard one each time.
• If a player has a Diplomacy token, they must use it in the next conflict phase, even if they have a stronger military compared to their neighbors.

Important: If there are only two players left during a conflict resolution, they only face each other and each take one token.

Example : So, let’s imagine a scenario. We’re in the Age I of our Conflict resolution game. Kurt and Alex decide not to participate, so they discard the Diplomacy token they had acquired earlier. Tina, on the other hand, doesn’t have any Diplomacy tokens left, so she has no choice but to go to war. Now, Tina and Cyril, they compare their military strength, just like the usual rules say. Tina emerges as the winner, but because she only had one opponent, she only gets a single Age II Conflict token during this phase of the conflict.

End of the Game

The game comes to a close at the end of Age III, right after the Conflict phase.

Now it’s time to add up the points for each player’s civilization. The player with the highest total score is the winner!

Here are a couple of tips:

• For simplicity, include any Debts you have in the “coin” section of your scorecard.
• Don’t forget to combine the points from black cards with white cards (Leaders).

For example: Let’s say Kurt finishes the game with 3 Debt tokens. He has 5 coins in his treasury, so he writes down 2 points (1 coin point minus 3 debt points) in the coin section of his scorecard.

Description Of Cards

Pigeon Loft, Spy Ring, Torture Chamber

Here’s how these three cards work: they give you a symbol. When the game ends, if you have a mask, you can copy the scientific symbol from a green card in one of the nearby cities.

Let me explain it a bit:

• If you have multiple symbols, you can only copy each card once. So, if you have two symbols, you can copy two different cards.
• You can copy a card’s symbol even if you already have that card in your own city.
• If both neighboring cities have the same card, and you have enough masks, you can copy both symbols. For example, if there’s a Workshop card in the left city and another Workshop card in the right city, you can copy both of them.

Example: At the end of the game, I have 2 cards with the symbol. You, on my left, only have one green card with the compass symbol. The player on my right hasn’t played any green cards. My first symbol card counts as a symbol. However, my second card is useless since there are no other symbols to copy. If you, on my left, had had 2 green cards with a symbol each, my 2 masks could’ve counted as .

Militias, Mercenaries, and Contingents

Have you ever wondered about the different types of armed groups that exist? It’s a fascinating topic, and it’s important for us to understand these groups to grasp the complexities of conflict.

Now, allow me to introduce you to three distinct categories: militias, mercenaries, and contingents.

1. Militias

First up, we have militias. These are non-professional armed groups made up of everyday individuals, like you and me. They often form as a response to a specific situation, such as a threat to their community or the need to defend their interests.

Militias can be found throughout history and across the globe. They operate outside the control of formal military forces and are often guided by ideological or cultural affiliations.

2. Mercenaries

Next, let’s talk about mercenaries. Unlike militias, mercenaries are professional fighters who are hired to fight on behalf of another party. Think of them as contracted soldiers who provide their services in exchange for money or other rewards.

While mercenaries may have a bad reputation due to their association with questionable motives and actions, it’s essential to understand that they have been a part of warfare for centuries. Individuals or groups with influence, such as governments or wealthy individuals, often employ them to achieve certain objectives.

3. Contingents

Lastly, we come to contingents. A contingent is a group of individuals that is gathered or formed for a specific purpose or task. In the context of armed groups, contingents are often assembled from different military units or forces to carry out a specific mission or operation.

Contingents can be multinational, meaning they involve individuals from multiple countries, or they can be domestic, made up of members from just one nation.

Now that I’ve introduced you to these three types of armed groups, let’s take a moment to reflect on how they fit into our understanding of conflict and warfare. Each category has its own unique qualities and influences the dynamics of conflicts in different ways.

So, the next time you hear about militias, mercenaries, or contingents, you’ll have a good understanding of what they are and how they contribute to the complex tapestry of armed groups.

Hey there! Let me tell you about these three special cards that have something cool called “shields.” They’re called Hideout, Lair, and Brotherhood. These cards have more shields than the red cards in their Age. The Hideout has 2 shields, the Lair has 3 shields, and the Brotherhood has a whopping 5 shields! Isn’t that awesome? These shields can help protect you in the game and give you an advantage. So if you’re looking for some extra shield power, you’ll definitely want to check out these cards. They’re super helpful!

When you play any of these three cards – Residence, Consulate, or Embassy – they have a dual effect. Firstly, they earn you victory points. Secondly, they cause the other players to lose money. Specifically, at the end of the turn in which you play these cards, each player (excluding yourself) must pay a certain amount of coins to the bank.

I’ve got three cards here that you can use to earn victory points. The best part? Each card also gives you a Diplomacy token. How cool is that?

Oh, and here’s a heads up: the effect of the Diplomacy tokens actually changes if you decide to play with team rules. Just something to keep in mind.

Check out the Gambling Den

Hey there! Let me tell you what happens in this fun game. So, it all starts with me, the player. I go to the bank and grab 6 shiny coins. Exciting, right? But the fun doesn’t stop with me. My cool neighbors, on both sides, also get to take a coin each from the bank. It’s like a little bonus for everyone!

The Awesome Game

So, here’s the situation: I get to take 9 coins from the bank. How exciting is that? I mean, who doesn’t love free money? But wait, there’s more! My two neighbors on either side, East and West, they each get to take 2 coins from the bank too. It’s like a little secret game we’re playing, sneaking coins when no one’s looking. Talk about a covert operation!

Each time I take my turn, I get a special discount of one coin on the first resource I buy from the neighboring city on my left or right. This discount works alongside the discounts I receive from having a Market or a Counter in my possession. So, essentially, my first resource could be completely free.

Let me illustrate this with an example. Imagine my name is Alex and I happen to have both a Market and a Clandestine Dock on the east side. Now, let’s say I decide to buy a Textile resource and a Stone resource from the city to my right. With my Market and Clandestine Dock combo, the Textile would cost me nothing at all. I would get a one-coin rebate from the Market and another one-coin rebate from the Clandestine Dock. However, I would still need to pay 2 coins for the Stone resource.

Alternatively, I could choose to buy the Stone resource first. In that case, I would receive a one-coin discount from the Clandestine Dock. So, I would only have to pay 1 coin for the Stone resource. Then, when I buy the Textile resource, the Market would give me a one-coin rebate as well. So, again, I would only have to pay 1 coin for the Textile.

So you see, with this special discount, I have the chance to save some money and make more efficient decisions when purchasing resources. It’s all about taking advantage of these opportunities and making the most of them.

When you play these cards, you get victory points. But here’s the catch: the other players have to pay 1 coin to the bank for each Victory Conflict token they have, no matter how much it’s worth.

The Genius Architect’s Collection

When the Architect Cabinet card is played, you can begin constructing your Wonder stages without having to spend any resources. This means you can save your resources for other purposes. Please note that you may still need to pay in coins for certain Wonder stages, such as Petra.

Every time it’s my turn, I get to choose a resource that my city doesn’t produce. This is made possible by using my brown and gray cards or the initial resource on my board. It’s like having a secret warehouse full of extra supplies!

Oh, and just to be clear, the Secret Warehouse doesn’t let me double the production of resources from yellow, white, or black cards like the Forum, Caravansary, Bilkis, and Black Market.

Now, let’s talk about the Black Market. It’s such an intriguing place!

Every time it’s my turn, I get to choose a resource that my city doesn’t already produce. It could be any resource, as long as it’s not produced by the brown and gray cards or the starting resource on my board.

Let me explain: The resources that come from the yellow, white, and black cards aren’t included in my options.

The Builders’ Union

This card is special because it gives you 4 Victory Points, which is a good thing. But here’s the catch: every other player has to give 1 coin to the bank for each stage of their Wonder that they have built. So it’s kind of like a tax on them, but it benefits you in the end.

Now let’s talk about the Leaders expansion. You can actually combine it with the Cities expansion to make the game even more fun. But if you’re new to the game, we recommend just starting with Cities and keeping the Leaders expansion for later. It will be like discovering a whole new world!

One leader you can play with is Berenice. She’s pretty important because she gives you an extra turn at the end of each age. That means you can take more actions and potentially get more points. It’s like having a secret weapon in your pocket!

So there you have it. This card and the Leaders expansion add some extra layers of strategy to the game. If you’re up for the challenge, give them a try! Who knows, you might just become the ultimate 7 Wonders champion.

When I enter the game, the number of coins I take from the bank is always increased by 1. But this increase can only happen once per turn.

Let me give you an example to make it clearer. If I discard a card, I earn 4 coins. And if I visit a tavern, I earn 6 coins. You see, each time I take coins from the bank, I get a little extra.

Now, here’s something important to understand. The coins I receive from my neighbors when they buy resources do not count as coming from the bank. It’s like a separate source of coins.

Have you heard about the Queen of Egypt? Yeah, she’s quite famous. There’s even a constellation named after her. And you know what’s cool? She was the first woman to have her portrait on a coin. That’s a big deal!

But wait, there’s more!

If you’re playing the game, you get to create a black card for each Age without spending any resources. It’s pretty cool!

Now let’s talk about Diocletian. He was a Roman Emperor who ruled for a short time. People often think of his reign as a violent and cruel period. It seemed like he would do anything to build monuments and show off his power.

Who was Diocletian?

As soon as Diocletian joins the game, you earn 2 coins for every black card you build.

Diocletian was an influential Roman Emperor known for his extensive economic reforms and their lasting impact. His approach to taxing landowners served as a blueprint in the medieval era of Western civilization.

Darius

I’m sure you’re curious about the meaning behind these words, so let me explain. Each black card you come across in the game is actually quite valuable, as it’s worth 1 victory point when the game ends.

Now, let’s talk about the Persian Emperor. This ruler had quite the challenging experience, dealing with countless disruptions and uprisings throughout his reign. But one thing that stood out was his dedication to protecting the empire. He went to great lengths to strengthen and defend its borders, leaving a lasting legacy. You may have heard of the incredible city he commissioned as well – Persepolis.

But who is Aspasia?

When I play as Aspasia, I get a Diplomacy token. (Aspasia is also worth 2 victory points at the end of the game).

I’m the wife of Pericles, and people respect and admire me for my education and culture. I had such a strong influence on the thinkers and politicians of my time.

Here’s another interesting historical figure:

When I join the game, every time I have a Defeat Conflict token, it acts like a Shield symbol for all upcoming conflict phases. Just place those Defeat tokens on the Semiramis card so we can all see it.

Semiramis was actually thought up by Gled Semenjuk and was entered in the Semiramis contest.

About the Guilds

The Counterfeiters Guild

When you play this card, you not only gain 5 victory points, but you also have the power to make all the other players lose 3 coins. It’s a powerful card that can really change the course of the game!

The Mysterious Society

Hey there! Let me break down what this card does for you. When you have this card, it’s worth 1 victory point for every black card that’s in the two cities next to each other.

Guild of People Who Attend Funerals

If you own The Al-khazneh Of Petra Wonder card, you’ll earn 1 victory point for every Victory Conflict token found in the cities adjacent to it. The value of each token, whether it’s 1, 3, or 5 points, doesn’t matter in this case. The only thing that matters is that you’ll gain 1 point for each token you have as the owner of the Guild.

Let me explain further: if you have this Wonder card, you’ll receive a victory point for every Victory Conflict token in both of the nearby cities. It doesn’t matter how much each token is worth individually – they all count as a single point for you.

Describing The Wonders

Examining The Al-khazneh Of Petra

I’m happy to break it to you, but the first stage is pretty awesome because it gets you 3 victory points. Not bad for a start, right? Now, brace yourself for the second stage. It may cost you 7 coins, but it’s totally worth it because it earns you a massive 7 victory points. Talk about a good return on investment! Finally, we have the third stage, which simply rocks with its 7 victory points. So, in a nutshell, each stage has something fantastic to offer, making it a thrilling journey towards victory.

When I enter the first stage, I earn 3 victory points and make every other player lose 2 coins. It’s a way to gain an advantage while simultaneously creating a disadvantage for my opponents.

To proceed to the second stage, I need to invest 14 coins. The second stage is valuable, as it grants me 14 victory points. It’s a costly but rewarding endeavor.

The Wonders of Hagia Sophia

Once you reach the first stage, you’ll earn 3 victory points.

When you progress to the second stage, you’ll receive a Diplomacy token and 2 victory points.

Finally, when you make it to the third stage, you’ll be awarded with an impressive 7 victory points.

At the first stage, you get a Diplomacy token and earn 3 victory points. During the second stage, you receive one Diplomacy token and gain 4 victory points. These are the rules for 2 players, but there are a few things that need clarification. If the Free City needs to discard coins, the player controlling the City decides if they will pay or take on debts. If the Free City plays a card that causes monetary losses, both players are affected, not just the one who chose the card. Now, when it comes to Diplomacy, if the Free City plays a Diplomacy card, it doesn’t take part in the military conflict of the corresponding Age, and the two players only face each other once. Lastly, let’s talk about the rules for 8 players. (HTML markup preserved)

Here’s a way to play 8-player games in 7 Wonders. To start, set up the game for a 7-player game, including all the cards from the basic game and the expansions. Give each player 7 cards at the beginning of each Age, just like in the regular game.

Note: The 8-player game is mainly meant for the team play variant.

Rules for Team Play

• Players can share coins.
• Players can trade cards.
• Players don’t have to pay for commerce between themselves.
• Players can buy resources from each other while they build structures together.

Resolving Team Conflicts

• In Age I, a victory is worth 2 Conflict (Victory) tokens, each worth 1 victory point.
• In Age II, a victory is worth 2 Conflict (Victory) tokens, each worth 3 victory points.

I’m here to help you understand the scoring system in the game. Winning a battle in Age III will earn you 2 Conflict (Victory) tokens, and each token is worth 5 victory points. On the other hand, if you lose a battle, you will receive 2 Conflict (Defeat) tokens, and each token will deduct 1 victory point. So, it’s essential to strategize and aim for victories to accumulate points. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your opponents and try to outsmart them diplomatically as well.

When you play a card with the symbol, you get a Diplomacy token from the bank and put it on your board. In the next conflict, you and your opponent only get one Conflict token instead of two. You have to use the Diplomacy token, and then you throw it away.

Here are some important things to remember:

– Using a Diplomacy token doesn’t affect your teammate.

– Even if you play a Diplomacy token, you can still win the conflict.

– If both you and your teammate play Diplomacy tokens, you each get a single Conflict token, just like your opponents.

That’s all you need to know to play the game. Keep these rules in mind, and have fun!

Now, let’s talk about how the game ends.