How To Play: Reign

In Reign, master resource management, diplomacy and alliances, and combat strategy to win. Communicate with allies, manage resources, and adapt to your enemies. Know the game rules, use your position wisely, and be ready for sudden shifts in battle. Victory favors the prepared and strategic player.
Reign - Reign, PlayMonster, 2020 — front cover - Credit: W Eric Martin

Hey there, fellow gamers! If you’re gearing up to conquer Reign, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide will walk you through the game rules and share top-notch strategies to secure your victory.

Overview

Buckle up, because we’re going to explore the best ways to outsmart your opponents and reign supreme!

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game Board
  • 4 Player Boards
  • 120 Resource Tokens
  • 90 Unit Tokens
  • 50 Action Cards
  • 30 Alliance Cards
  • 10 Dice
  • 4 Reference Sheets
  • 1 Rule Book

How To Play Reign: Rules Summary


Setup

  1. Lay out the board and place all markers in their starting positions.

  2. Each player selects a faction and receives the corresponding pieces.

  3. Shuffle the deck of event cards and deal each player three cards.

  4. Distribute resources as noted in the game’s setup guide.

  5. Determine the first player by rolling a die or another agreed-upon method.

Gameplay

  1. Players take turns in a clockwise manner.

  2. Each turn consists of three phases: the Resource Phase, the Action Phase, and the End Phase.

  3. During the Resource Phase, players gather resources based on their holdings.

  4. In the Action Phase, players can move units, attack, and use abilities.

  5. Lastly, the End Phase allows players to draw new event cards and refresh their resources.

Winning

  1. A player wins by achieving the victory conditions noted on their faction card.

  2. This usually involves controlling key locations or achieving certain resource goals.

  3. Keep an eye on your opponents’ progress to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Weather cards can alter the conditions on the board. Resolve them at the start of each turn.

  2. Event cards can bring unexpected changes. Players must adapt and react quickly.

  3. Diplomacy can play a key role. Form alliances, but trust is crucial.

  4. Some factions have unique abilities. Make use of these to gain an advantage.

Best Reign Strategies

Master Resource Management to Conquer in Reign

Resource management is key to winning Reign. You need to collect and use resources smartly. Here are some strategies:

Prioritize Resource Collection

  1. Know what resources are essential.
  2. Focus on gathering high-value resources first.
  3. Keep an eye on rivals’ resource collection.

Efficient Spending

  1. Don’t overspend on unnecessary upgrades.
  2. Invest in long-term benefits.
  3. Always have a reserve for emergencies.

Trade Wisely

  1. Use diplomacy to get better deals.
  2. Trade surplus resources for scarce ones.
  3. Watch market trends closely.

Use these tips to boost your game and emerge as the reigning champ!

Winning with Diplomacy and Alliances

When playing Reign, diplomacy and alliances can make or break your game. Build trust with others, and you’ll have powerful allies.

1. Establishing Trust

First, talk to other players. Make sure they know you’re trustworthy. Stick to your promises and show integrity.

  1. Communicate openly about your intentions.
  2. Keep your word – nothing ruins trust faster.

2. Forming Strategic Alliances

Next, form alliances that benefit you. Choose partners wisely, focusing on shared goals.

  1. Identify common enemies.
  2. Combine strengths and cover weaknesses.

3. Maintaining Relationships

Then, maintain these relationships. Check in often and offer help when needed. This keeps your alliances strong.

  1. Regularly communicate with your allies.
  2. Offer resources or support in critical moments.

Mastering diplomacy requires time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. How to play reign effectively demands strategic social skills.

Mastering Combat Strategy in Reign

Winning in Reign takes sharp combat tactics. Here are some tips to ensure victory:

1. Positioning is Key

Your army’s position can make or break a battle. Always scout the terrain and place your troops wisely.

  1. Use high ground for archers.
  2. Keep cavalry on the flanks.
  3. Shield infantry in the front lines.
2. Timing Your Attacks

Attack at the right time to catch your enemy off guard.

  1. Wait for favorable weather conditions.
  2. Strike after an enemy misstep.
  3. Coordinate with your allies.
3. Use Special Abilities Wisely

Special abilities can turn the tide. Use them effectively.

  1. Save abilities for crucial moments.
  2. Combine abilities for maximum impact.
  3. Know when to hold back.
4. Adapt to the Enemy

Adaptation is vital. Change strategies based on your opponent’s moves.

  1. Study enemy patterns.
  2. Counter their strengths.
  3. Exploit their weaknesses.

## The Ultimate Path to Triumph in Reign

Winning Reign isn’t just about brute force; it’s about knowing when to strike and who to trust. Master resource management, form solid alliances, and keep your combat skills sharp. Remember, the tide of battle can shift in an instant. My friends and I learned this the hard way when our unplanned alliance crumbled under the weight of betrayal. So, always have a backup plan!

Have fun out there, and may your reign be long and prosperous! Oh, and if anyone asks ‘how to play Reign,’ just send them this guide!

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