Variants for Sol Last Days of a Star

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Discover the Unique Variant Rules for Sol: Last Days of a Star

Hi there! Let me introduce you to an exciting twist on the Sol: Last Days of a Star game. I’m here to share some special variant rules that add a whole new level of fun and challenge to your gameplay. So grab your spacesuit and let’s dive in!

Variant 1: Supernova Mode

Get ready for an explosive experience with Supernova Mode! In this variant, the star at the center of the solar system is destined to go supernova. As the countdown begins, you’ll have to make split-second decisions to gather enough energy and escape before the star meets its explosive end. Can you handle the pressure?

Variant 2: Solar Flare

Prepare for an intense solar flare event in this thrilling variant. At any moment, the star will unleash a powerful solar flare that will disrupt your carefully crafted plans. You’ll need to adapt quickly and come up with new strategies on the fly. The Solar Flare variant keeps you on your toes!

Variant 3: Planetary Alignment

Get ready for a cosmic alignment like no other! In this variant, the planets in the solar system will align in a rare and powerful formation. This alignment gives you access to unique abilities and resources. Use this advantage wisely to outsmart your opponents and make your mark in the universe!

Variant 4: Cosmic Anomalies

Prepare yourself for the unknown with Cosmic Anomalies! These unpredictable events will shake up your gameplay and introduce exciting new challenges. From random asteroid showers to mysterious energy fluctuations, each anomaly presents an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. Navigate these anomalies, and you’ll come out a star player!

With these variant rules in mind, you’ll enjoy a fresh and exhilarating experience every time you play Sol: Last Days of a Star. So gather your gaming crew and embark on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos. Have a blast!

Variants for Sol Last Days of a Star UltraFoodMess

When you want to enjoy a longer game with more possibilities right from the start, there’s a strategy you can try. Rather than relying on outdated elements, why not spice things up by adding an extra suit to the instability deck? By doing so, you’ll introduce a whole new level of unpredictability.

Variants for Sol Last Days of a Star UltraFoodMessVariants for Sol Last Days of a Star UltraFoodMess

What Are Trigger Events?

Trigger events happen when something big and important changes in the Sun. The Sun is always changing, and trigger events are the big shifts that happen because of that.

In this game, we have 5 special cards called trigger flares. These cards can be added to the deck of unstable events. When you set up the game, you can shuffle some or all of the trigger flares into the deck, and choose one trigger event card to put face-up near the board.

While playing the game, if you draw a trigger flare, you have to do what it says on the trigger event card that you chose earlier. After you do the thing, remove the trigger flare from the game and draw another card.

We think it’s best to use 4 trigger flares in the game, but you can use more or less if you want to make the game harder or easier. Here are the trigger events you can use in the game:

    I know it can be confusing, but let me break it down for you. There are different actions you can take in the game of Sundiver. These actions have unique names and effects. Let me explain each one to you:

    1. Attrition: In this action, each player has to sacrifice one of their sundivers from their reserve.

    2. Implode: When you choose to implode, all the sundivers on the board move down one layer. This happens whether there is a gate or not. If any sundivers were in the core, they are thrown out.

    3. Explode: Choosing to explode means that all the sundivers are pushed out one layer. Again, this happens regardless of the presence of a gate. Any sundivers in outer orbit are considered “lost in space”. You will need to spend one move to bring them back into any space in outer orbit.

    4. Sunworm: If you opt for the sunworm action, all the sundivers that are not on a station will be consumed by the Sunworm and sent back to your reserves.

    5. Warp: In this action, each player gets to choose one of their sundivers that is either in play or in their hold and place it anywhere on the board.

    6. Singularity: When you select singularity, you have to place all your sundivers from your hold into spaces in the core. You can choose where to place them, but remember that there is a limit of five sundivers per player.

    Now you know all the different actions in the game of Sundiver. Have fun exploring the possibilities and strategizing your moves!

  • Energy Garden: In each layer of the Sun, I place an energy cube if the space is empty and not adjacent to another space with an energy cube. These energy cubes are collected when my sundiver flies into a space with an energy cube.
  • Feeders: When a trigger flare occurs, four feeders emerge from the heart of the Sun and move into the core. I represent the feeders with energy cubes and place them in different spaces. The feeders then make their way towards the nearest station on their layer. If there is no station on their layer, they move up to the next layer. If there are feeders on a station, the activation reward is reduced. If enough feeders are present to reduce the reward to 0, the station is destroyed, and the feeders stay on the board. To get rid of feeders, I can use a special action called SCOUR. I can recall my sundivers from spaces with feeders and remove the feeders from the board. I can do this multiple times in different spaces, but it takes up my whole turn.

Variants for Sol Last Days of a Star UltraFoodMess

Solo Variant

If you want to play Sol by yourself, there are a couple of changes you need to make to the regular rules.

  • When you go around your mothership, you should draw a card in addition to any other cards you play that turn. However, you can’t keep this card, and it doesn’t count for effects that rely on drawing cards (like Pillar and Pulsate). Solar flares, on the other hand, still work as usual.
  • Each solo scenario in Sundive has its own unique setup. This setup determines various aspects of the game, such as the number of suits used, the instability effects in play, the stations and gates already on the board, the starting resources, and any restrictions on station types. The scenario also specifies the momentum threshold for winning.

Solo Scenarios

In all solo scenarios, you begin with 8 sundivers and 0 energy in your hold, unless stated otherwise.

    In the heart of the cosmos lies a mighty structure known as the Ancient Tower. It is a place of great power and mystery, with two energy nodes positioned in the convective layer. These nodes are evenly spaced from each other, and the mothership begins its journey between them on one side of the board. The Ancient Tower features four suits and does not possess any instability effects. To emerge victorious in this cosmic realm, I must strive to accumulate 17 or more momentum before the final solar flare.

    Another captivating realm within the cosmos is the Cosmic Unity. With three suits at my disposal, the instability effects I must contend with are Chain, Ceremony, and Transcend. While exploring this realm, I encounter a single energy node situated in the core. In my pursuit of triumph, I must resist the urge to convert sundivers into a tower. To attain victory in the Cosmic Unity realm, I must gather 23 or more momentum.

    Within the vastness of the cosmos, I come across the Solar Inhabitants realm. It too presents three suits and unique instability effects: Juggernaut, Procreate, and Festival. To participate in this realm, I activate the FEEDERS trigger event. As I traverse this realm, I discover one energy node, one foundry, and one tower nestled in the convective layer, carefully spaced, for the most part. To emerge victorious in the Solar Inhabitants realm, I must accumulate 19 or more momentum.

    So, as I embark on my cosmic journey, I must select a realm that resonates with me. Will it be the Ancient Tower, with its mysterious energy nodes? Or perhaps the interconnectedness of the Cosmic Unity realm? Alternatively, I could explore the Solar Inhabitants realm and witness their extravagant festivities. The choice is mine, but I must remember, victory is attainable by accumulating the required momentum.

    In conclusion, when faced with the cosmic expanse, the selection of the right realm is crucial. Each realm offers its own set of challenges and requirements for victory. By understanding the core aspects of each realm and considering my own inclinations, I can embark on a rewarding cosmic adventure. So, if you’re seeking a thrilling journey through the stars, look no further than these realms within the cosmos. The cosmos eagerly awaits your arrival; embrace the adventure that awaits!

    Want to Play? Here are 3 Exciting Board Game Variants!

    Hey there! Are you ready for some high-energy fun? If you enjoy board games, then you’ll love exploring these unique variants of popular games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these twists on classic games will keep you on your toes and eager for more. So let’s dive in and discover the excitement!

    Variant 1: Energy Garden

    Ever wondered what it would be like to manage your own garden in outer space? With Energy Garden, you can do just that! In this variant, you’ll have 3 suits – Hyperdrive, Transcend, and Accelerate – each with its own unique abilities. Be prepared for some instability effects along the way!

    Your mission is to trigger the ENERGY GARDEN event and place a tower in the core. Remember, you cannot convert sundivers into energy nodes. To succeed, you need to gain 31 or more momentum. Will you be able to nurture your garden and achieve victory?

    Variant 2: Sunworm

    If you’ve ever marveled at the wonders of space, then Sunworm is perfect for you. This variant offers a fascinating twist on the game, with 3 suits – Puncture, Cluster, and Procreate – each with their own unique effects. Get ready for a wild ride!

    Start the game by triggering the SUNWORM event and placing a foundry in the radiative layer. Your goal is to gain 17 or more momentum. Can you navigate through space and conquer the challenge? The fate of the universe is in your hands!

    Variant 3: Solar Whirlpool

    Get ready for a cosmic adventure like no other with Solar Whirlpool! In this variant, you’ll need 8 sundivers and one energy to tackle the challenge. With 3 suits – Procreate, Motivate, and Squeeze – you’ll have your hands full with thrilling instability effects!

    Trigger the IMPLODE event and strategically place a tower in outer orbit, on the opposite side of the board from your mothership. Victory awaits you if you can gain 29 or more momentum. Do you have what it takes to navigate the whirlpool and emerge triumphant?

    Cooperative Variant

    If you want to play Sol as a team, follow these steps:

    First, use the rules for playing the Solo Variant. But remember, the final score for the whole group is the score of the player with the least momentum. So, work together to keep everyone’s momentum up!

    When creating the instability deck, include the solar flares and one suit for each player, plus one extra suit.

    Instead of using a scenario, you can play a standard cooperative game. Choose three instability effects to use in the game and distribute suit tokens evenly among them. Some effects may have multiple tokens.

    You win as a team if the player with the lowest score has at least 13 momentum. To make the game more challenging, increase this number by 3 each time. This is how Sean likes to play. Have fun!

    Variants for Sol Last Days of a Star UltraFoodMess

    Surviving the Supernova: Different Levels of Survival

    Hey there! If you’re interested in exploring varied ways to survive the aftermath of a supernova, I’ve got you covered. Instead of everyone perishing in a fiery cataclysm, let’s take a closer look at the different levels of survival you can experience.

    Curious to know how your efforts to save your people can play out? Well, here are some options for you:

    A big shout-out to Jonathan C. Osborne for coming up with this cool variant!

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