How To Play: Luna

Our Luna guide dives deep into temple actions, island strategies, and the cunning timing of the Apostate. From setup to winning strategies, we've covered the essentials with a sprinkle of humor and personal anecdotes. With our guide, you're set to master Luna and impress your friends at game night!
Luna: Box Cover Front

Hey there, fellow board game enthusiasts! Ever found yourself in the middle of a game of Luna, scratching your head and wondering just how to clinch that win? Well, wonder no more! I’ve been there, played that, and I’m here to share all the insider tips and tricks. This guide not only walks you through the game rules but also lays down the best strategies for winning. So, grab your meeples, and let’s get started!

Overview

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 6 Sanctuary tiles
  • 28 Island tiles
  • 1 Moon Priestess figure
  • 4 Favor tokens
  • 96 Influence tokens
  • 28 Novices (7 in each of the 4 player colors)
  • 13 Apostle tiles
  • 4 Time tokens
  • 4 Brethren Houses (1 in each of the 4 player colors)
  • 4 Shields (1 in each of the 4 player colors)
  • 24 Book tokens
  • 1 Starting Player token
  • 1 Bag

How To Play Luna: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. Place the island tiles in the middle of the table to form the temple area.

  2. Each player chooses a color and takes the respective novices, shrines, and markers.

  3. Shuffle the favor tokens and place them face down near the islands.

  4. Set up the moon priestess on her starting tile as indicated in the rule book.

Gameplay

  1. Players take turns placing their novices on the islands or in the temple to perform actions.

  2. You can gain favor by performing tasks for the moon priestess, building shrines, or recruiting new novices.

  3. Keep an eye on your opponents and plan your moves to block them or to take the best actions first.

Winning

  1. The game ends after a set number of rounds. The player with the most points from shrines, novices, and favors wins.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Watch out for the apostate who moves around trying to corrupt your efforts. Avoid him!

  2. Special tiles offer unique benefits but come with challenges. Plan accordingly.

  3. Certain actions can only be performed if the moon priestess is on an adjacent tile.

This guide gives you a basic understanding of how to play Luna. Remember, strategy is key, and every game can unfold in countless ways. Good luck!

Best Luna Strategies

Master the Temples: Your Key to Victory in Luna

Ever played Luna and found yourself wondering why everyone seems to be ahead? Well, I did. Then I figured out the temple actions are like the secret sauce. Here’s how to use them right:

Choosing the Right Temple

  1. Look at what bonuses each temple offers. Pick the one that matches your game strategy.
  2. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on one or two temples max.

Timing Your Moves

  1. Watch for the perfect moment. When others move away, swoop in.
  2. End-of-round temple scoring is a gold mine. Plan your actions to peak here.

Using Novices Wisely

  1. Always have a novice ready for temple actions. Running out is like showing up to a duel with a stick.
  2. Balance your novices. Don’t leave any temple completely unattended.

So next time we played, I focused on the temples. And guess what? I didn’t just compete; I dominated. Understanding temple actions in Luna really is a game changer.

Mastering Island Tiles: A Path to Victory

Winning at Luna involves smart island tile strategy. Here’s how:

Choose Your Islands Wisely

  1. Focus on islands that complement your strengths. If you’re good at gathering resources, pick tiles that boost that ability.
  2. Consider islands with temples. They offer more strategic moves.

Plan Your Moves in Advance

  1. Think ahead. Plan your next two moves to stay ahead of competitors.
  2. Anticipate others’ moves. Block them if you can.

Adapt Quickly

  1. Be ready to change your plan. Flexibility wins games.
  2. Use your novices wisely. They’re key to taking control of new islands.

Unlocking Victory: Mastering Apostate Movement

Timing Apostate movement is crucial in Luna. It’s like a dance, where every step counts.

Choosing the Right Moment

  1. Wait for opponents to commit their novices, then move the Apostate to disrupt their plans.
  2. Keep an eye on the temple majority; move him to block others from scoring.

Strategic Apostate Placement

  1. Place the Apostate on islands where you’re strong, forcing opponents to rethink their strategy.
  2. Use him to safeguard your lead by occupying spaces critical to your opponents.

Adapting to Your Opponents’ Moves

  1. Adapt your strategy based on the current game state; be flexible and unpredictable.
  2. Anticipate your opponents’ next move and place the Apostate to hinder them.

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Want to know what we think of Luna? Read our detailed review of Luna 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.