How To Play: Guardians
Guardians is all about building strong teams, using ults at the right moment, and fighting for control over key zones. I always end up yelling at my friends (in a loving way) about 'How To Play guardians,' but it really helps you get better at the game and have fun.

So, you just got Guardians and want to crush your friends. Welcome! In this guide, I cover the basics of How To Play guardians, so you won’t look lost. Then I spill my best strategies to help you grab that sweet, sweet victory. No fluff, just the stuff you need to win (and maybe trash talk a bit).
Overview
What’s in the box
- 1 Game board
- 5 Hero standees
- 5 Hero cards
- 60 Power cards
- 30 Damage tokens
- 15 Victory point tokens
- 3 Zone tiles
- 1 Rulebook
- 15 Ultimate ability tokens
How To Play Guardians: Rules Summary
Setup
- First, lay out the board in the middle of the table. This step is key, unless you really want to play on the floor (not recommended if you have pets!).
- Each player picks a hero and grabs the matching cards and tokens. Argue over the coolest one—this is tradition.
- Place the objective markers on the spots shown in the rulebook. If you lose the rulebook, well, good luck!
- Deal each player five cards from their hero deck.
- Pick who goes first. We use rock-paper-scissors, but you can use thumb war or a dramatic forehead tap.
Gameplay
- On your turn, draw a card. Unless you’re me, who always forgets and then tries to draw three next turn.
- Play action cards or move your hero on the board. Remember, you can only play one action per turn, or two if you have a special power.
- Attack enemies or control zones, then shout something heroic. This step is unofficial but highly encouraged.
- End your turn and pass to the next player. Try not to make a dramatic sigh if someone ruins your plans.
Winning
- Reach the set number of victory points—usually by controlling zones or defeating enemy heroes. It’s hard, unless you’re secretly a tactical genius.
- The first player to hit the victory point goal wins. Winner gets bragging rights and the last slice of pizza.
Special Rules & Conditions
- If you run out of cards in your deck, shuffle your discard pile to form a new deck. No tears allowed.
- Some heroes have unique powers or “ultimates.” Check your hero card and use them wisely (unlike me, who always forgets they exist until it’s too late).
- Ties are settled by who has the most objective markers. If tied again, whoever made the best superhero pose wins (house rule, but it keeps things lively).
I hope this covers the basics, so you can impress your friends and sound like a pro the next time someone asks ‘How To Play guardians.’ Now go forth and guard stuff!
Best Guardians Strategies
Team Composition: The Secret Sauce to Victory
My friends and I learned the hard way that you can’t just pick your favorite heroes and hope for the best. You must balance your squad and create combos that shine. Knowing How To Play guardians starts with picking a smart crew, not a random bunch. When everyone works together, you get magic.
Pick Roles That Cover Every Situation
- Choose a tank, a damage dealer, and a support for a well-rounded team.
- Mix melee and ranged to stay flexible.
- Make sure no one is afraid to heal!
Build Combos for Crushing Plays
- Pair heroes whose abilities boost each other.
- Stagger ultimates for non-stop pressure.
- Talk about power moves before the match so everyone’s ready.
Know Your Buddies’ Playstyle
- Swap heroes if someone is struggling.
- Encourage your shy friend to try support—you’ll thank them later.
Mastering The Art of Ult Timing: Unleash At The Perfect Moment
Know Your Window
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Wait until foes group up before firing your ult. More targets, more chaos.
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Use the How To Play guardians guides to predict enemy movement and plan your big plays.
Combo With Teammates
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Chat with friends before a fight. Line up your ults for a big swing.
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Never waste your ult alone if a combo can flip the round.
Bait Out Defensives
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Fake a push to draw out enemy shields, then go all-in with your ult.
Win More in Guardians: Hold Those Zones Like a Pro!
Understanding Why Zones Matter
If you want to know How To Play guardians and win, you must control key zones. Zones boost your score and put pressure on your rivals. Good players know every clutch happens here.
Movement Tricks for Zone Control
- Stay mobile—never stand in one spot.
- Use cover to peek and dodge attacks.
- Rotate to another zone if things get too hot.
Working With Your Team
- Call out enemy spots.
- Back up teammates who are fighting for a zone.
- Share health and power-ups when you can.
Timing Your Push
- Wait for enemies to split up before rushing in.
- Time your attacks after big enemy mistakes.
Ready to Rule the Table?
Look, I’ve lost to my best friend’s grandma at Guardians so many times, I’m still picking my pride off the floor. But that’s the beauty of this game. You never know what will happen, and every match is a new adventure. Use these tips, keep practicing “How To Play guardians” with your crew, and soon you’ll be the one making everyone groan at your legendary moves. Remember, teamwork, timing, and not flipping the table in frustration are the real keys to victory. Good luck, and may your dice rolls never betray you!
Want to know what we think of Guardians? Read our detailed review of Guardians here
