How To Play: Mexica

Overview

Ever wondered how to turn your friends into loyal Mexica followers? Mexica is just the game for you! In this guide, you will find a simple outline of the game’s rules and some cheeky strategies to outsmart your opponents. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned player, prepare to channel your inner Aztec and build those temples like there’s no tomorrow!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 4 Player Sets
• 40 Action Tokens
• 48 Canal Tiles
• 17 Bridges
• 10 Temple Building Tiles
• 12 Pyramid Building Tiles
• 6 Palace Building Tiles
• 1 Score Track
• 2 Settlement Tiles
• 1 Mexica Figure
• 1 Rule Book

How To Play Mexica: Rules Summary

Welcome to the world of Mexica, where you’ll find yourself cunningly plotting to conquer districts. Let’s break it down together!

Setup

1. Place the board in the center. Spread the canals and bridges nearby—don’t panic if they try to run away.

2. Shuffle the district tokens and lay them face down. It’s like a mystery waiting to unfold.

3. Each player picks a color, grabs their pieces, and silently vows to win (optional but recommended).

4. Place the action point markers on the board’s track. Everyone begins with the same misplaced confidence.

Gameplay

1. Use action points to place canals on the board. Start small, or go big—it’s your call!

2. With bravery—or is it madness?—build bridges to connect your canals. Or just to impress your friends.

3. Move your player token across the board to conquer districts. Commandeer like a pro!

4. Construct temples, as they are the key to dominance, divine or otherwise.

Winning

1. Score points by building temples and controlling districts. Simple arithmetic—though possibly complicated by laughter.

2. Count up your points at the end of each round. Pretend to like math if you must.

3. The player with the most points after the final round declares victory, possibly accompanied by awkward dancing.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If tied, check who controls the most valuable district. Celebratory high-fives may ensue.

2. Bonus points can come into play, so keep your eyes on surprise scores.

3. Bend the rules at your own risk, but don’t blame me if the others catch you!

Now you’re ready to play Mexica! Grab your game, invite some friends, and remember: don’t take it too seriously. Well, unless you’re about to win.

Best Mexica Strategies

Mastering Canal Placement in Mexica

Winning Mexica relies on clever canal placement. Let’s break it down!

Strategize Early

1. Start by selecting canal spots close to the center. This gives you flexibility as the game progresses.
2. Plan your canals to maximize movement. More movement means more control.

Adapt to Opponents

1. Watch your friends’ moves. If they block you, find alternative routes.
2. Alter your plans if someone builds faster. Stay unpredictable.

Think Ahead

1. Consider future temple placement when laying canals.
2. Prepare to isolate opponents’ resources, limiting their options.

Mastering Temple Building Timing in Mexica

Winning in Mexica requires more than just luck. Timing your temple building is crucial. Here’s how to make it work in your favor.

Start Small, Think Big

1. Begin with smaller temples to control multiple districts.
2. Save resources for bigger builds later in the game.

Seize Opportunities

1. Watch for opponents’ moves and react quickly.
2. Capitalize on newly formed districts.

Play the Long Game

1. Consider the endgame from the start.
2. Plan temple placements for maximum impact.

Remember, timing is everything in Mexica, and these strategies will surely improve your game!

Conquering Islands: The Key to Victory

Success in Mexica hinges on mastering island control. This strategy helps dominate the board, earning those precious points along the way. Understanding islands’ priority is crucial. Let’s explore some key strategies.

Early Presence on Large Islands

1. Immediately focus on occupying larger islands. They offer more area for temple building.
2. Secure a position early to maximize influence and reduce competition.

Connecting Islands with Canals

1. Create canals that link strategic points. This increases accessibility and control.
2. Think ahead to connect isolated islands with high scoring potential.

Adapt and React

1. Keep an eye on rivals’ positions, adjusting your strategy predictably.
2. Switch focus to contested islands when necessary to disrupt opponents.

Mastering Mexica: The Final Stand

You made it, champ! Mexica is like chess but with way more canals and less shouting. Remember, timing your temple placements and prioritizing island control can make or break your game. And don’t be afraid to throw your friends off with unexpected moves. After all, surprise is a powerful weapon, especially when combined with a well-timed “Oops, I did it again!” strategy. Happy gaming, and may your canals always flow smoothly!

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