How To Play: Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes is an engaging board game where you must understand character roles, maximize resource collection, and coordinate team actions. The game includes components like a game board, scenario mats, and action cards. Utilize these strategies to conquer the game and enjoy the thrilling experience with friends.
Planet of the Apes - Planet of the Apes, IDW Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Overview

Ready to conquer the Planet of the Apes? You’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll outline the game rules and share the best strategies to help you win. After countless game nights with friends and bananas, I’ve got the scoop on what works and what doesn’t. Let’s turn you into a champion, one move at a time!

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 5 Scenario Mats
  • 4 Character Cards
  • 30 Action Cards
  • 25 Wound Tokens
  • 12 Ape Tokens
  • 10 Event Cards
  • 1 Rulebook
  • 6 Dice
  • 1 Time Track Marker
  • 8 Location Markers

How To Play Planet of the Apes: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. Unfold the game board and place it in the center of the table.

  2. Each player selects a character card and takes the corresponding figure.

  3. Shuffle the action cards and distribute them evenly among the players.

  4. Place the scenario mats around the board as specified in the rulebook.

  5. Place the tokens and markers in their respective starting positions.

Gameplay

  1. Players take turns in clockwise order, starting with the youngest player.

  2. On your turn, draw an action card and follow the instructions.

  3. Move your character based on the card’s effect and your strategy.

  4. Engage in resource collection, trading, and combat as dictated by the game state.

  5. Coordinate with team members to achieve objectives.

Winning

  1. Achieve the main objective specified on the scenario mat.

  2. Complete special tasks assigned to your character.

  3. Accumulate the highest number of victory points by the end of the final round.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Certain tiles grant bonus actions or penalties.

  2. Characters have unique abilities that can alter gameplay.

  3. Event cards introduce new challenges and opportunities during the game.

  4. End game conditions vary based on the scenario in play.

Best Planet of the Apes Strategies

Master Your Team: Understanding Each Character’s Role

In any game, you must know your character’s strengths and roles to win. Without this, everything falls apart quickly. Let’s break down how understanding your character can turn the tide in your favor:

1. Know Your Strengths

First, understand what your character excels at. Are they strong attackers, healers, or defenders? This knowledge will guide your strategy.

  1. Analyze their abilities
  2. Identify how they support the team
  3. Practice using their core strengths

2. Communicate Effectively

Next, keep your team informed about your role. Communication ensures everyone knows your character’s purpose.

  1. Share your character’s strengths with the team
  2. Discuss your plan before the game starts
  3. Update teammates during play

3. Adapt to Situations

Your character’s role might need to change based on the game’s status. Flexibility is key.

  1. Stay aware of the game’s progress
  2. Adjust your strategy as needed
  3. Coordinate changes with your team

4. Leverage Special Skills

Finally, use your character’s special skills at the right moment. Timing can make or break your success.

  1. Know when to activate abilities
  2. Save special moves for crucial moments
  3. Combine skills with teammates for maximum effect

Mastering Resource Collection: Key to Victory

Focus on High-Value Resources

Winning often depends on gathering high-value resources. So, you should:

  1. Identify which resources give the most points or benefits.
  2. Prioritize areas or cards that yield these resources.

Efficient Use of Actions

Actions can be limited, thus:

  1. Plan moves to minimize wasted actions.
  2. Combine actions to gather multiple resources in one turn.

Trading Smartly

Trades can boost your resources. Therefore:

  1. Negotiate deals that benefit you the most.
  2. Trade low-value resources for higher-value ones when possible.

Adapt to the Game Flow

The game’s flow changes, so:

  1. Stay flexible and adjust your strategy as needed.
  2. Keep an eye on opponents and adapt accordingly.

These strategies can help you gather resources efficiently, allowing you to dominate the game. Remember, each move matters!

Mastering Team Coordination for Victory

Winning a game often hinges on how well your team coordinates its actions. Let’s break it down:

Planning Ahead

  1. Discuss your overall strategy before making moves.
  2. Assign roles based on each player’s strengths.
  3. Anticipate opponents’ actions and plan counters.

Communication is Key

  1. Share vital information continuously.
  2. Use short, clear commands during critical moments.
  3. Give feedback after each round to improve.

Resource Management

  1. Delegate resource collection based on needs.
  2. Pool resources for major objectives.
  3. Avoid wasting resources on minor tasks.

Flexibility

  1. Adjust roles as the game evolves.
  2. Stay adaptable to unexpected changes.
  3. Be willing to sacrifice plans for the team’s benefit.

## Conclusion: Conquer the Apes, Conquer the Game!

Alright folks, there you have it. With these strategies, you’re ready to take on the Planet of the Apes and show those primates who’s boss. Remember, understanding each character’s role, maximizing your resources, and coordinating your team actions are key to survival. I can’t count the times my friends and I have had our butts handed to us because we forgot one of these crucial points. So, keep these tips in mind, stay sharp, and most importantly, have fun! And if you ever find yourself wondering ‘How To Play Planet of the Apes,’ you’re in the right place. Now, go forth and may the dice rolls be ever in your favor!

Want to know what we think of Planet of the Apes? Read our detailed review of Planet of the Apes 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.