Santorini Game Rules

Let me tell you about a really cool game called Santorini. It’s a game that I think you will love because it’s all about building and strategy.

So, how does it work? Well, in Santorini, you and your opponents take turns building and climbing up buildings on the beautiful island of Santorini. The goal is to be the first player to reach the third level of a building.

To start the game, each player chooses a color and places their builder in any unoccupied space on the game board. Then, you take turns moving your builders around the board and building the buildings.

When it’s your turn, you have two options: you can either move or build. If you choose to move, you can move one of your builders up to one space in any direction: up, down, left, right, or diagonally. However, you can’t move onto a space that is more than one level higher than the space you’re currently on.

If you choose to build, you can add a level to any adjacent space to one of your builders. Each level is represented by a different colored block, and you can only build up to the fourth level. Be careful though, because if you build a level on top of an opponent’s builder, they will be stuck and unable to move!

To win the game, you need to be the first player to move one of your builders up to the third level of any building. However, there are some special rules that make the game even more interesting.

For example, there are certain god powers that you can use to give you special abilities. Each player gets a god card that grants them a unique power that can be used once per game. These powers can help you jump multiple levels or even block your opponent’s moves.

Overall, Santorini is a fun and challenging game that requires both strategy and creativity. The combination of building and moving makes each game unique and exciting. So gather your friends, choose your color, and get ready to build your way to victory in Santorini!

Alright, let’s get started! Take the smaller side of the Cliff Pedestal A and place it on the Ocean Board B. Use the long and short tabs on the Cliff Pedestal to help you assemble it.

Now, take the Island Board C and place it on top of the Cliff Pedestal A. Again, use the long and short tabs to guide you as you assemble.

The youngest player gets to be the Start Player. If that’s you, congratulations! You get to go first. Start by placing 2 Workers D of your chosen color into any empty spaces on the board.

The other player or players can go ahead and place their Workers E as well.

Game Play

Hey there! So, let’s talk about how we play this game. The first thing we do is take turns. We all start with our own Workers, and whoever is the Start Player goes first. Each turn, you get to choose one of your Workers to do something with.

Move

Now, here’s the fun part – moving your Worker! You can pick any of the spaces right next to your Worker – there’s up to eight of them. Just choose one, and move your Worker there!

I’m a Worker, and I can move up one level, move down multiple levels, or stay on the same level. However, I can’t move up more than one level at a time.

When I move my Worker, I need to make sure that the space I’m moving into doesn’t have another Worker or a Dome on it.

Now, Let’s Build

Next, I can choose to either build a block or a dome on any of the empty spaces surrounding my moved Worker.

Building a tower is a fun and creative activity that allows you to construct something unique. To successfully build your tower, you need to select the right shape of blocks or domes for each level (refer to the diagram on the left).

When you build a tower using three blocks and top it off with a dome, you’ve created what is known as a “Complete Tower.”

The Game’s Conclusion

If one of the Workers I control reaches the third level during my turn, I’ll win right away! It’s a pretty cool way to claim victory. But remember, I have to make a move and then build on my turn. If I’m unable to do both, I’ll lose the game. So it’s important to plan my moves carefully and always think ahead.

Now, let’s talk about the base 2-player game. These are the basic rules you need to know to get started. We highly recommend playing a few games using only these rules before moving on to more advanced ones. Practice makes perfect, after all!

Once you’re comfortable with the base game, I suggest trying out God Powers. These are special cards that give you powerful abilities that can change the way your Workers move and build. They add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.

To set up the God Powers, follow these steps after you’ve set up the Island according to steps 1 and 2 in the “Setup” section:

1. Each player selects a God Power card.

2. Place the chosen God Power card face-up in front of the player.

3. Place the corresponding God Power token next to the God Power card.

4. Follow the specific instructions on the God Power card to determine any additional setup.

Now you’re all set to try out the game with God Powers! Have fun exploring the different abilities and strategies they offer. Remember, the goal is to outsmart your opponent and build your way to victory. Good luck!

When we play the Challenger game, the most “god-like” player gets to be the Challenger and chooses a number of God Powers equal to the number of players.

If there are 3 or 4 players, the chosen God Powers must be compatible with the number of players. But in a 2-player game, all God Powers are fair game.

The Challenger reads out each selected God Power from the rule book, looking at the set icon and index number to find the description of each God Power.

Now it’s time for each player to choose a God Power. We do this in clockwise order, and everyone puts their chosen God Power in their own area. The Challenger is the last to choose a God Power.

Finally, the Challenger picks a Start Player. This player then places 2 Workers of their chosen color anywhere on the board where there are no other Workers. The rest of the players then take turns placing all their Workers in clockwise order.

How to Wield Godlike Powers

When it comes to harnessing God Powers, things work a bit differently. You have to be aware of a few important rules and conditions, but don’t worry, it’s not too complicated.

The first thing to note is that you must always follow the instructions provided by the God Power. If the text says you “cannot” or “must” do something, it’s crucial that you abide by those rules. Failing to do so could cost you the game.

It’s also worth mentioning that domes are a unique case. If a God Power affects blocks, it won’t have any effect on domes. Keep that in mind when considering your strategy.

Another thing to remember is that when a God Power forces your Workers into another space, it’s not considered a regular move. They are simply compelled to go there, without it being counted as a voluntary action.

But here’s the tricky part: to win the game, your Worker must reach the third level during your turn. So if you’re forced onto the third level, you won’t win. And moving from one third level space to another doesn’t trigger a victory either. You have to make that upward progress yourself!

God Powers are special abilities that gods possess and can use at specific times. These abilities are described in the God Power’s description, which tells you when you can use it.

Let’s take Apollo’s God Power as an example. It starts with “Your Move”. This means that if you have Apollo’s God Power, you can only use it during the “move” phase of your turn.

When you use a God Power, the description is written from your perspective as the player who has the power. If the description mentions an “opponent,” it means an opponent of yours.

Before we begin, there are a few extra steps that need to be taken when using certain God Powers. If the God Power you choose has “Setup” instructions in its description, you’ll need to follow those instructions before starting the game. Just make sure that the setup doesn’t give one player an unfair advantage over the others – if it does, perform the setup in the order that the players take their turns.

Some God Powers have additional ways to achieve victory. In addition to winning by reaching the third level on your turn, you can also win by meeting a special “Win Condition” as described in the God Power’s rules.

Have you ever wondered how to determine if a God Power can be used in the Golden Fleece variant? Well, look no further! I’m here to shed some light on this mysterious icon “D” that you might have come across.

Now, this little icon carries a big meaning. When you see this “D,” it means that the God Power can be used in the Golden Fleece variant. And if you’re not familiar with the Golden Fleece, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Just head over to the Golden Fleece section for more information.

It’s fascinating how a simple icon can make a world of difference. This “D” is like a secret code that unlocks new possibilities in the game. So next time you see it, you’ll know exactly what it means and how it can enhance your gameplay in the Golden Fleece variant.

When I first started playing these games, I realized how important God Powers are. They add excitement and strategy to the gameplay, making it more engaging and enjoyable. So, if you’re just beginning your journey in these games, I recommend starting with the Simple God Powers.

Why should you choose these powers? Well, firstly, they are known as Simple God Powers for a reason. They are easy to understand and use, making them perfect for beginners. Once you become familiar with them, you can always switch to more advanced powers.

Another reason to consider these Simple God Powers is that they are a double-edged sword. They give you the ability to elevate your gameplay and regenerate your response, but they also require careful planning and decision-making. So, they not only enhance your gaming experience but also help you develop strategic thinking skills.

Moreover, these powers are like a burst of energy in the game. They provide a quick boost when you need it the most. Whether you’re in a challenging situation or trying to achieve a specific goal, these powers can be your secret weapon.

When someone plays these games for the first time, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of options available. That’s why these Simple God Powers truly shine. They simplify the decision-making process and offer a starting point for your godly journey.

If you’re ready to take your gameplay to the next level, give these Simple God Powers a try. They are designed to enhance your experience and make you feel like a true deity in the game world.

So, next time you’re playing, remember to choose these Simple God Powers. They are the perfect companions for beginners, providing an exciting and accessible way to explore the game’s possibilities. By using these powers, you’ll not only have more fun but also develop your skills and become a more strategic player.

Are you ready to embark on a godly adventure? Start with these Simple God Powers and let the hibiscus flower guide your way.

Apollo

The Music God

Here’s how it works: You can make your Worker move into a space where your opponent’s Worker is, and in doing so, you’ll force their Worker to move to the space you just left.

Meet Artemis, the Mighty Huntress

Discover the Power of the Goddess of the Hunt

Ready to Make Your Move? With a special ability that grants you an extra move, Artemis, the formidable Greek goddess, brings an exciting twist to the game.

Meet Athena, the Wise Goddess

She’s all about wisdom

Your turn: If you moved one of your Workers up on your last turn, your opponent’s Workers won’t be able to move up this turn.

Atlas

Titan Shouldering the Heavens

Your Power: Your Worker can place a dome on top of any level.

Demeter

Goddess of the Harvest

Build Twice: You can build two times in one turn, but not on the same space.

Welcome to the world of Hephaestus!

I am the mighty blacksmith of the gods.

Your Power: With me by your side, you can build an extra block on top of any first block you place – and no domes, just blocks! How cool is that?

Welcome to the World of Hermes

The God of Travel

Let’s get started!

Imagine this: you’re playing a game called Hermes, and you have a special power where you control your Workers’ movements. Normally, your workers can only move one space up or down, but with the power of Hermes, you have the ability to make your workers move any number of times! Yes, even zero times!

So, how does it work? Well, here’s the deal. You start your turn by moving each of your workers any number of times. They can zip around the board in any direction you choose. But be careful! Once your workers have finished their move, it’s time to get down to business and start building.

This power to control the movements of your workers is a game-changer. With Hermes by your side, you have the advantage of being able to position your workers exactly where you need them to be. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for planning your strategies and outsmarting your opponents.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. Having the ability to move your workers any number of times can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can use it to reach distant locations on the board and set yourself up for victory. On the other hand, overusing this power can leave your workers stranded and unable to build anything.

But fear not! With a little bit of practice and strategy, you’ll soon master the art of Hermes. You’ll learn to balance the movement of your workers with the need to build, ensuring that you’re always one step ahead of your opponents.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to harness the power of Hermes and embark on an exciting journey of strategy and adventure. Get ready to amaze your opponents with your agility and cunning as you navigate the board and build your way to victory. The world of Hermes awaits, and it’s up to you to make your mark!

The Mighty Minotaur

A Fierce Beast with a Bull’s Head

Let’s Talk Strategy: When playing as the Minotaur, I have the ability to move into an opponent’s Worker’s space. That’s right, I can enter their territory! But there’s a catch – I can only do this if I can force their Worker to move one space straight back, and only if there’s an empty space for them to go to, no matter their level. It’s a strategic move that can give me an advantage on the board.

Pan

The Wild Card

How to Win: You can also win by having your Worker descend two or more levels.

Prometheus: The Titan Who Helped Humanity

Hey there! Have you ever heard of Prometheus? He’s a really important figure in Greek mythology. They call him the “Titan Benefactor of Mankind”. Cool, right?

Now, let me tell you something interesting about the game Santorini. Normally, your Worker can only move up, but there’s this neat God Power called Prometheus which lets you build before and after moving. It’s like getting a double chance to build!

Oh, and if you’re looking for a challenge, you should check out the Advanced Gods. They take the game to a whole new level with their special powers.

Santorini for 3 & 4 Players

Santorini is usually played with 2 players, but sometimes you just want to hang out with more friends, right? So, we’ve got you covered with rules for 3 and 4 players!

When you play with 3 or 4 players, the basic 2-player rules still apply. Just a few adjustments to keep things fair:

First, you must use God Powers in 3 and 4-player games. But don’t worry, it’s a lot of fun! When you’re picking which God Powers to play with, all of them need to have a special icon when playing with 3 players, or a different icon when playing with 4 players. This helps keep things balanced and exciting!

Three Players: Twice the Fun

If you lose in a game with only 3 players, just take out your Workers, Tokens, and God Power right away. And if you’re the last one standing, congrats! You’re the winner.

Four Players (Team Game)

In this mode, you play with teams of 2 players. Each team controls 2 Workers and each player has their own God Power. Your teammate is sitting right across from you, and you take turns with the other teams. But here’s the catch: you can only use your own power, not your teammate’s.

At the beginning of the game, the first player on your team places the Workers. Then it’s the second player’s turn to start playing.

If any player on a team wins, the whole team wins. But if any player loses, the whole team loses. So make sure you stick together and support each other!

Glossary

Block: A block is a part of a tower that creates a space on the board.

When I build, I put blocks on top of each other, starting with the largest block. You can look at the diagram on the front page to see the “Complete Tower” for reference.

Complete Tower: A complete tower consists of three blocks and a dome.

Dome: A dome is the top level of a tower. You can’t place anything on top of a dome. The only time you can build a dome is on the third level, unless a God or Hero Power says otherwise.

Neighboring: Each space on the board has up to eight spaces around it. These spaces are called neighboring spaces.

Occupied Space: A space that has a Worker or a dome on it.

Perimeter Space: One of the 16 spaces along the edge of the board.

Token: Tokens are special markers that represent a God or Hero Power. You can’t place a Token on a space that is already occupied by another Token or has a block on it. When blocks are placed on a space with a Token, the Token is removed from the board.

Unmoved Worker: An Unmoved Worker is a Worker that didn’t move during your turn. They remain in their original position.

Unoccupied Space: An Unoccupied Space is a space on the board that doesn’t have a Worker or a dome on it. It’s empty and available for a Worker to move or build on.