Broken Paths Gameplay Guide
Welcome to Broken Paths, a 2-4 player strategy board game with a touch of luck. In this game, players draw and strategically place cards to build paths across the board, aiming to create the shortest route to the center while sabotaging opponents. With dynamic gameplay and multiple playstyles, every round promises new challenges and opportunities. Games typically last 15-20 minutes and are suitable for players of all ages.
Game Components
- 1 Game Board (9×9 grid)
- Path Cards (including standard and Broken Path cards)
- 4 Player Tokens (in distinct colors)
- 1 Six-sided Die
- Rulebook
Setting Up the Game
- Choose Colors: Each player selects one of the four available colors. Tokens are placed on their respective starting corners.
- Shuffle the Deck: Shuffle the Path Cards thoroughly and place the deck face-down on the goal tile at the center of the board.
- Board Layout: The board features:
- Four colored corners as player starting points.
- Yellow tiles surrounding the center goal. These are starting points for paths extending outward.
- A 9×9 grid where paths are built.
Gameplay Structure
Broken Paths is played in two main phases:
- Path Building Round: Players take turns drawing and placing Path Cards to construct paths to the center goal.
- Race Phase: Players race their tokens along completed paths toward the goal, rolling the die to determine movement.
Path Building Rules
- Turn Order: Decide the first player (e.g., by rolling the die or another agreed method). Play proceeds clockwise.
- Drawing Cards: On their turn, a player draws the top card from the deck.
- Placing Cards: Players must place cards according to these rules:
- Option A: Place cards in your colored starting area, aligning one end with the hashed edge of your starting point.
- Option B: Place cards on the yellow tiles around the goal, aligning one end with the hashed edge of the goal.
- Option C: Extend existing paths by aligning the card with another on the board.
- Restrictions:
- You cannot place cards in another player’s starting color.
- Dead-end cards cannot be placed on yellow tiles.
- A drawn card must be played. If no valid placement exists, discard it.
- Broken Path Cards: These versatile cards:
- Act as standard path tiles.
- Can be placed over existing tiles to disrupt opponents or clear blockages.
The round ends when the deck is empty, and all players have placed their final cards.
Alternate Path Building Style: One Card Hold’em
- Players start with one card in hand.
- Each turn, draw a new card and choose which of the two to play. Unused cards remain in hand for future turns.
- The round ends when all cards have been played.
Race Phase Rules
- Eligibility: Players with a complete path to the center participate in the race phase.
- Turn Order: Decide the first player (e.g., by rolling the die). Play proceeds clockwise.
- Movement:
- Roll the die and move your token that many spaces along your path.
- You cannot revisit the same tile within a single turn.
- Players may opt not to move.
- A player must land exactly on the goal to win. Overshooting is not allowed.
- Winning: The first player to land on the goal tile wins the game.
Alternate Race Style: Shortest Path
- Instead of rolling the die, the player with the shortest viable path to the center wins.
- Broken Path Cards: Count as two spaces when measuring path length.
- This playstyle emphasizes strategy over chance.
Mix and Match Playstyles Combine elements from different styles for a customized experience. For example, in the roll-to-win playstyle, count Broken Path tiles as two spaces for added complexity.
Key Features of the Game
- Deck Randomness: Each game unfolds uniquely due to the shuffled deck.
- Strategic Disruption: Use Broken Path cards to block opponents or salvage your path.
- Multiple Strategies: Adapt your tactics based on the chosen playstyle.
- Dynamic Outcomes: Even if you can’t win, you can ensure others don’t either!
About Us
We’re a small team of tabletop gaming enthusiasts based in Maryland, USA, dedicated to creating engaging games for the community. If you’re interested in Broken Paths, pre-orders are available at www.overthetabletop.shop.
We’re eager to hear your feedback and answer any questions. Thank you for being part of our journey to make Broken Paths a favorite at your gaming table!