An Introduction to Kingdom Builder for Beginners

Are you just starting out on your Kingdom Builder journey? If so, this guide is for you! I’ll walk you through the basics of this captivating board game and provide some helpful tips to get you started. It’s time to embark on a grand adventure!

What is Kingdom Builder?

Kingdom Builder is an exciting board game that challenges players to build their own kingdoms in a strategic and creative way. The goal is to score the most points by constructing settlements, connecting them with roads, and fulfilling specific objectives.

One of the great things about Kingdom Builder is that each game is different. The modular board is made up of different terrain types, ensuring that every playthrough offers a unique experience. This game is all about adapting to the changing landscape and making the most of the opportunities presented to you.

How to Play

Playing Kingdom Builder is simple, but mastering it requires careful planning and decision-making. Here’s a breakdown of the basic gameplay:

1. Setup: The board is set up by placing terrain tiles in a random configuration. This creates the game board where you’ll build your kingdom.
2. Draw a Card: At the start of each turn, you’ll draw a card that determines where you can place your settlements. This adds an element of surprise and challenge to the game.
3. Take Your Actions: Using the card you drew, you’ll place one of your settlements on an eligible terrain type. You’ll also have the option to build roads to connect your settlements and secure more points.
4. Earn Points: Throughout the game, you’ll earn points for various achievements, such as connecting settlements, building next to certain terrain types, or fulfilling special objectives.
5. End of the Game: The game ends when all players have placed all of their settlements. The player with the highest score is declared the winner and the ultimate ruler of their kingdom!

Tips for Success

Now that you know the basics, here are some tips to help you become a master Kingdom Builder:

• Be Flexible: Don’t get too attached to a single strategy. Adaptability is key in Kingdom Builder, as the board and card draw can change the game’s dynamics. Be prepared to adjust your plans and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
• Control Key Locations: Try to secure control over certain terrain types or strategic positions on the board. This will give you an edge in fulfilling objectives and connecting settlements.
• Plan Your Road Placement: Building roads is a crucial aspect of the game. Strategically placing your roads will allow you to reach new areas and maximize your scoring potential.
• Watch Your Opponents: Keep an eye on what your opponents are doing. If they’re focusing on a particular strategy or terrain type, it might be wise to adjust your own plans and disrupt their progress.
• Score Early and Often: Don’t wait until the end of the game to start scoring points. Look for opportunities to earn points throughout the game, and don’t neglect the special objectives.

That’s it for this beginner’s guide to Kingdom Builder. I hope you found it helpful and inspiring. Now it’s time to gather your friends, set up the game board, and start building your own kingdom. Good luck, and may your reign be prosperous!

When I designed Dominion, I wanted to create a game that was fresh and exciting every time you played. And it seems like I succeeded, since Dominion won the coveted Spiel des Jahres award for board game design. I continued this trend with my latest game, Kingdom Builder, which also earned a Spiel des Jahres nomination. So it’s safe to say that I’m here to stay in the world of board game design.

Make a Game Plan

Once you’ve set up Kingdom Builder, the first thing you need to do is come up with a game plan. Having a plan is crucial in strategy board games, and Kingdom Builder is no exception. Without a plan, your moves in the game won’t have the necessary cohesiveness to succeed. This is especially important in Kingdom Builder, as a few missteps early on can severely limit your options later on.

When you’re making a plan, it’s important to consider the layout of the map. You should carefully examine the positions of the rivers and mountains on the board. These natural features create divisions that can only be crossed by certain special tiles. It wouldn’t be wise to plan on spanning the entire board, only to realize halfway through that there’s a massive river blocking your path.

This map is quite divided. On the right side, there’s a river that splits the map in two. On the left side, the rivers and mountains leave only a small gap.

Hey there, let’s talk about the importance of having a good plan when playing a game. It’s something we often overlook, but believe me, it can make all the difference!

First off, a good plan takes into account the different goal cards. These cards can score you points during the game, and some of them are worth a lot more than others. For example, the Farmers and Lords goal cards have the potential to give you a ton of points, while the Fishermen and Miners cards only give you a small amount. To maximize your score, it’s important to prioritize the high-scoring cards and still score a few points with the smaller ones.

Another key aspect of a solid plan is having settlements in different areas of the board. This way, you have more opportunities to score off multiple goals. The Farmers, Lords, and Hermit goal cards particularly benefit from this strategy. By spreading out your settlements, you keep your options open and increase your chances of winning.

So, whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, remember that having a good plan is essential. It helps you make the most of the high-scoring goal cards and gives you flexibility in placing your settlements. With a little bit of strategy, you’ll be on your way to victory in no time!

Expand Your Horizons

Usually, when you check out your terrain card, you only have a couple of choices for where to put your settlements. If none of those choices assist you in earning points or disrupt the strategies of others, your turn is mostly unproductive. The fewer choices you have, the fewer opportunities you have to score. That’s why it’s essential to have settlements in at least two or three different areas of the board.

When you start playing the game, it’s important to consider where you place your first three settlements. If you put them next to different terrain types, you’ll have to continue placing your future settlements adjacent to those types. But that’s not ideal! Instead, try to place your first three settlements in a way that they only touch a few other terrain types. If you can manage to avoid touching any other types, you’ll have the opportunity to start a second area of settlements when you place your next three mandatory settlements. Of course, this assumes that you don’t draw the same terrain type twice in a row.

It’s crucial to be cautious about what you touch! Whenever you build next to a terrain type, you’re essentially committing to building in that area every time you draw a card for that type. Of course, you can’t completely avoid touching new terrain areas throughout the game. However, you can plan ahead and make sure you leave yourself with at least two options for each terrain card that comes up.

Get Those Special Tiles

Getting your hands on the special tiles is actually quite easy and it’s a great way to add some variety to your game. These tiles are highly sought after because they offer unique advantages. Since there are only a limited number of each special tile available, it’s crucial to focus on acquiring a few of them during your first few turns.

The special tiles allow you to build extra settlements, giving you a significant advantage over your opponents. Being able to place two additional settlements per turn can greatly increase your point-scoring potential. Moreover, having the ability to play the most settlements per turn means you have control over when the game ends. If you manage to place 50% more settlements than anyone else, you’re likely to come out victorious.