Ka-Boom

About this board game

Ka-Boom is a fast-paced 30-minute building and destruction game for 2–5 players, pitting a master builder against rival saboteurs in a race to reach 16 points.

To begin, players arrange 26 tower tiles around one large central tile. Each tile shows a stacked block arrangement and a point value. During a round, the master builder takes the 16 tower blocks, flips the sand timer, and quickly chooses which towers to construct.

Every other player becomes a saboteur. Using a small catapult, each saboteur launches 2–10 ammunition dice at the growing towers. A toppled tower earns no points for the builder, although its fallen blocks can be used for rebuilding while time remains. Dice that land on tower tiles also interfere with construction, preventing the builder from using those spaces or forcing an unfinished tower to be abandoned.

• Build under pressure: Match the block structures shown on the tower tiles before the timer runs out.
• Sabotage with skill: Knock down towers or block valuable building spaces with ammunition dice.
• Risk an earthquake: In the original rules, two dice showing the “Ka-Boom” symbol allow a table slam, while the giant ammunition die can trigger an earthquake by itself.

When the sand timer ends, the builder claims the tiles for correctly completed towers that are still standing. The role then passes clockwise, giving everyone a chance to build and sabotage.

In Ka-Boom, timing, accuracy, and a little luck all matter. The first player to collect 16 points wins. The Blue Orange edition removes the earthquake mechanic and giant ammunition die.