How To Play: AuZtralia

AuZtralia is a board game where players manage resources, build farms, and strategize military actions to win. Key focus areas are time management, balanced armies, and adaptability. Players compete against the game's Lovecraftian elements. The guide covers rules, components, and winning strategies, ensuring a fun and challenging experience.
AuZtralia - AuZtralia, SchilMil Games/Stronghold Games, 2018 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Overview

If you love battling eldritch horrors while farming sheep, AuZtralia is the game for you! Our guide covers how to play AuZtralia, complete with game rules and top strategies to outsmart those pesky undead. My friends and I rolled dice, managed sheep, and even dodged Cthulhu to bring you the best ways to conquer this quirky world!

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 4 Player Boards
  • 1 Starting Player Tile
  • 125 Resource Tokens
  • 30 Rail Tracks
  • 40 Farm Tokens
  • 24 Personality Cards
  • 50 Military Units
  • 25 Cthulhu Units
  • 20 Revelation Cards
  • 4 Port Markers
  • 12 Insanity Tokens
  • 1 Rulebook

How To Play AuZtralia: Rules Summary

Hey there, future settlers of the Outback! Today, we’re exploring the fantastically zany world of AuZtralia. If you’re ready to step up and challenge the Old Ones, strap on your boots and let’s go!

Setup

  1. First, lay out the board. You have to start with the lovely Australian map face up. This map is divided into hex tiles.

  2. Next, each player picks a port and places it on a coastal hex. This marks your base.

  3. Now, distribute player boards and resources: these are different for each player. Remember to put them in front of you.

  4. Finally, shuffle and draw action cards. These add a little spice to your game, so keep them close as you play.

Gameplay

  1. Start by building railways. This costs resources, but hey, would you rather have your troops walk?

  2. Your aim is to explore. Discovering farms and crazy-old ruins is your ticket to weirder things.

  3. Watch out! The ghostly Old Ones awaken. Place their tokens on the board as per the event cards.

  4. Battling is essential. Choose your units carefully and attack those pesky Old Ones when necessary.

Winning

  1. To win, collect the most points. You earn points by farming, defeating Old Ones, and other sneaky tactics.

  2. Track the timeline. When the timeline ends, so does the game. Hopefully, you’ve got enough points by then!

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Watch your resources. Mismanaging them could mean disaster for your settlers.

  2. The timeline acts like a sneaky time bomb. Plan your moves wisely to avoid disaster.

  3. Remember the coastal areas. Ports are key to expansion and keeping those Old Ones at bay.

So there you have it, mates! This board game’s quirky fun combines strategy and the frenetic fear of waking ancient horrors. Now that you know how to play AuZtralia, grab a few mates, and see if you can survive the Outback!

Best AuZtralia Strategies

Mastering Resource Management in AuZtralia

In AuZtralia, managing your resources effectively can make or break your game. I learned this the hard way when my sheep ran amok.
Use these strategies to master your resources and conquer the game!

1. Prioritize Your Farms

  1. Farms are your food factories. Focus on them to ensure a steady food supply for your troops.
  2. Choose strategic locations for farms to maximize output.

2. Trade Wisely

Trading plays a huge role. I still remember my friend, Bob, trading all his coal for iron and regretting it.

  1. Always consider the long-term effects before any trade.
  2. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ needs to make advantageous trades.

3. Balance Resource Investment

  1. While it’s tempting to hoard resources, balance is key. Strengthen your military, but don’t neglect infrastructure.
  2. Reinvest profits into varied assets, ensuring you aren’t left vulnerable.

Following these tips will give you the edge when you learn how to play Auztralia successfully.

Mastering the Art of Military Strategy in AuZtralia

When it comes to winning in AuZtralia, military strategy is key. Here are some tips to make your moves count.

Build a Balanced Army

A good mix of units strengthens your army. Consider this approach:

  1. Diversify by recruiting both infantry and artillery units.
  2. Train units with different abilities for versatility.
  3. Always keep an eye on the enemy’s weaknesses.

Plan Your Attacks Wisely

Timing is everything. Use these strategies:

  1. Strike when enemies are vulnerable or distracted.
  2. Coordinate with allies for joint strikes.
  3. Defend key positions while plotting offensive moves.

Adapt Your Strategy

The board can change in a heartbeat. Stay flexible by:

  1. Adjusting your tactics based on enemy patterns.
  2. Reacting quickly to new threats.
  3. Learning from past mistakes to improve future strategies.

Keep these strategies in mind, and your military prowess in AuZtralia will ensure victory!

Mastering Time Management in AuZtralia

In AuZtralia, managing your time effectively can make all the difference. However, time can slip away quickly if you’re not careful. Here’s how to stay on track.

Plan Your Actions Deliberately

  1. Anticipate upcoming events to prepare accordingly.

  2. Use action cards thoughtfully to maximize results.

  3. Avoid wasting actions on non-urgent tasks.

Adapt to Unexpected Changes

  1. Shift your focus when unplanned events occur.

  2. Consider changing your strategy to match new conditions.

  3. Always have a backup plan ready.

Balance Long-Term and Short-Term Goals

  1. Prioritize immediate threats while keeping an eye on future goals.

  2. Invest time in building resources for long-term strength.

## Wrapping Up Your Adventure Down Under

So, there you have it! The wild world of AuZtralia awaits, and now you’re armed with the know-how to tackle it head-on. Whether you’re managing resources like a pro or planning your military conquests, remember: the key is balance and adaptability. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the clock—time waits for no one, especially in the outback! My mates and I might have fought over who got to be the best sheep farmer, but trust me, the real victory is in having fun together. So go on, gather your friends, deal those cards, and enjoy your time in this bizarre, thrilling land of chaos.

What’s your funniest moment while playing AuZtralia? Share it with us in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!

Want to know what we think of AuZtralia? Read our detailed review of AuZtralia here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.