Tiletum

2022

Experience Tiletum, a dice management board game where you role-play as a Renaissance merchant, trading, investing and strategizing to gain prestige and emerge as the most famous merchant of the era.

100
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

14+

Medium Heavy

About the game

Welcome to ‘Tiletum’, an enchanting board game that immerses players into a world of strategic tile placement and creative pattern building. The game is set in the colorful and vibrant realm of Tiletum, a magical land where players endeavor to create the most beautiful mosaic patterns using an assortment of tiles.

The core mechanics of Tiletum revolve around tile placement, pattern building, and strategic planning. Each player is given a set of tiles at the beginning of the game. These tiles, depicting various patterns and designs, are used to build a mosaic with the goal of achieving the highest points. The scoring is based on the complexity and variety of patterns created.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Tiletum is an engaging board game that tests players’ strategic thinking and planning. This game includes several components that each play a unique role in the gameplay. Here is a detailed description of each component:

1. Game Board:

The Game Board is the primary component of Tiletum. It is a square grid where players will place their tiles during the game. The board’s size can influence the game’s duration and complexity. Players interact with the game board by placing their tiles on it, trying to create specific patterns to score points.

2. Player Tiles:

Each player has a set of tiles to play with. These tiles are square-shaped, with different symbols drawn on them. The symbols match the patterns on the Game Boards. Players use these tiles to make strategic moves on the board, aiming to place them in a way that matches the patterns for maximum points.

3. Pattern Cards:

Pattern cards are the key to scoring points in Tiletum. Each card depicts a unique arrangement of symbols. If a player can replicate this arrangement with their tiles on the Game Board, they can claim the Pattern Card, which adds to their total points. The interaction between Pattern Cards and Player Tiles is the central dynamic of Tiletum.

4. Score Track:

The Score Track is a separate board where players keep track of their points. Each player has a marker, which they move along the track as they score points. The Score Track helps players to monitor their progress and compare their scores with others.

5. Player Markers:

Player Markers are small tokens that each player uses to track their score on the Score Track. When a player scores points, they move their marker along the track equal to the number of points scored. This visual representation helps players gauge their standing relative to their opponents.

6. Tile Bag:

The Tile Bag is where players draw new tiles from. After a player has placed a tile on the Game Board, they replenish their hand by drawing a new tile from the Tile Bag. This introduces an element of luck and unpredictability into the game, as players cannot be sure what tile they will draw next.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Tiletum is an exciting board game that is easy to set up and play. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Player roles

Each player chooses a role for the game. The roles can vary depending on the number of players. The roles to choose from include:

Architect: This player is in charge of constructing buildings.
Explorer: This player is responsible for discovering new tiles.
Merchant: This player handles the trade and purchase of resources.
Warrior: This player defends the territory and can conquer new ones.

Step 2: Board placement

Place the board in the center of the playing area where all players can easily reach it. The board is made up of square tiles, each with different terrain types. These include:

Forest: Green tiles
Mountain: Grey tiles
Water: Blue tiles
Desert: Yellow tiles

Step 3: Initial resources

Each player starts with a set of initial resources depending on their chosen role. The resources include:

Stones: Used for building structures
Grains: Used for food and trade
Timber: Used for building and trade
Gold: Used for trade and purchasing resources

Step 4: Random elements

At the beginning of each turn, a player draws a card from the event deck. The events can have positive or negative effects on the players or the game board. The events include:

Harvest: Players gain extra resources.
Flood: Certain tiles become inaccessible for a turn.
Earthquake: Buildings on certain tiles are destroyed.
Gold Rush: Players can trade resources for gold.

Now that everything is set up, you are ready to start playing Tiletum. May the best strategist win!

Game flow Round and round we go

The game of Tiletum is a strategic board game involving the careful placement of tiles on the game board. The game is played in multiple rounds until a player reaches the winning conditions. Each round is divided into two main phases: the Tile Draw Phase and the Tile Placement Phase.

Tile Draw Phase:

At the start of each round, players begin with the Tile Draw Phase. Each player draws three tiles from the tile bag. These tiles are kept secret from the other players.
If the tile bag is empty, players will proceed with the tiles they have left from previous rounds.

Tile Placement Phase:

Following the Tile Draw Phase, players move to the Tile Placement Phase. In this phase, players take turns placing one of their drawn tiles onto the game board.
Each tile must be placed adjacent to at least one existing tile on the board. Diagonal placement is not considered adjacent.
Players must place a tile if they can. If a player cannot place a tile, they must skip their turn.
After placing a tile, the player scores points based on the tile’s placement. Scoring is determined by the symbols on the tile and how they align with adjacent tiles.

These phases continue in turn order until a player meets one of the game’s end conditions:

If a player places all of their tiles on the board, they are declared the winner.
If all players skip their turn because they cannot place a tile, the game ends. The player with the highest score is declared the winner.

To add to the strategic depth of Tiletum, certain special tiles with unique abilities may be drawn. These tiles, when played, can alter the game in various ways, such as allowing players to move previously placed tiles, or affecting the scoring rules for certain placements.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In Tiletum, each player’s turn consists of a series of key steps. It is during these steps that players have the opportunity to employ a range of strategic choices that can greatly impact the course of the game.

1. Draw Tiles:

At the start of each turn, players draw up to five tiles from the communal pile, if they have less than five in their hand. The types of tiles drawn can directly affect the player’s strategies and actions for their turn. For example, drawing a ‘Wild’ tile gives the player more flexibility in their moves.

2. Place Tiles:

Players can then place one or more tiles from their hand onto the game board. Tiles must be placed adjacent to an existing tile and match the color or symbol of the tile they are placed next to. Placement of tiles is a critical part of strategy, as it can block other players’ moves, create new opportunities to score, or even trigger special effects based on the tile’s symbol.

Note: Some tiles have special symbols that activate when placed on the board. These can have various effects such as removing other tiles, swapping tiles, or granting extra actions.

3. Score Points:

After placing tiles, players score points based on the patterns formed by the tiles. Points are scored for each line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of three or more matching tiles. The more tiles connected, the higher the score. Strategic placement of tiles to maximize points is a key aspect of the game.

4. End Turn:

Once a player has placed their tiles and scored their points, their turn ends. The next player then begins their turn by drawing tiles, and the game continues in this cycle until the tile pile is depleted and one player has placed all of their tiles.

Conserving Tiles: While it may be tempting to use all tiles as soon as possible, sometimes it is strategically advantageous to conserve certain tiles for later use, especially if they have powerful special effects or can be used to block other players.
Blocking Other Players: Players can strategically place tiles to block others from making high-scoring moves. This can be especially useful when other players have obvious strategies.
Maximizing Points: In addition to creating long lines of matching tiles, players can also score extra points by forming more complex patterns or combinations. This requires careful planning and foresight.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of Tiletum ends under two conditions. The first event that could signal the end of the game is when the draw pile runs out of tiles. This indicates that there are no more tiles left to draw from and therefore the game must come to an end. The second condition is when all players pass their turn consecutively without any further tile placement. This suggests that no player can make a valid move and the game must then be concluded.

Victory Conditions:

In Tiletum, the player with the highest score at the end of the game is declared the winner. Points are earned throughout the game by placing tiles on the board. More points are awarded for creating complex patterns and completing larger areas of the board.

There are several ways to gain additional points at the end of the game:

Bonuses for Remaining Tiles: If a player has succeeded in using all of their tiles before the end of the game, they receive a bonus score. The amount of this bonus depends on the number of tiles other players still have left. The player gets 2 points for every tile the other players have not used.
Penalties for Unused Tiles: Conversely, players will have points deducted for any tiles they have not managed to place by the end of the game. The penalty is 2 points deducted for each unused tile.
Bonus for Final Tile: The player who places the final tile on the board receives an additional bonus. This bonus is equal to the sum of the points values of all remaining unplaced tiles of the other players, regardless of the number of tiles left in their tile stack.

Final Scoring Actions:

At the end of the game, players must perform several actions to determine their final score:

Each player adds up the points they earned during the game from placing tiles on the board.
Players add any bonus points they have earned for using all of their tiles or for placing the last tile on the board.
Players subtract any penalty points incurred for not using all of their tiles.
The player with the highest final score after all bonuses and penalties have been calculated is declared the winner.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the board game ‘Tiletum’, scoring is a critical part of the gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of the full scoring system:

Points Awarded:

Points are awarded in the following scenarios:

Tile Placement: Whenever a player places a tile on the board, they gain 1 point. If a player places a tile in a position that aligns with another of the same color, they gain an additional 2 points.
Completing a Color Group: If a player completes a group of the same color tiles (minimum of 4 tiles), they gain 5 points. This only applies once per color group, even if the group is later extended.
Final Tile: The player who places the final tile on the board receives a bonus of 10 points.

Tie-Breaking Rules:

In the event of a tie at the end of the game, the following tie-breaking rules are applied:

Most Completed Color Groups: The player who has completed the most color groups wins. If there is still a tie, proceed to the next rule.
Least Number of Tiles Left: The player with the least number of tiles left in their hand wins. If there is still a tie, proceed to the next rule.
Last Tile Placement: The player who placed the last tile on the board wins.

It’s important to note that strategic placement and efficient use of tiles can greatly affect a player’s score in ‘Tiletum’. Understanding and utilizing the scoring system effectively can be the key to victory.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Tiletum is a fascinating strategic board game that requires players to place tiles on the board and create patterns to score points. While the rules are straightforward, there are a few special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that players should be aware of.

1. Special Tiles: Not all tiles in Tiletum are created equal. There are certain special tiles that, when placed appropriately, can significantly boost your score. These tiles are marked with a star symbol.

Double Score Tiles: These tiles double the score of the pattern they complete. If used wisely, they can turn the tide of the game.
Swap Tiles: These tiles allow you to swap one of your tiles with an opponent’s tile on the board. Use these to disrupt your opponent’s strategy or to complete your own patterns.

2. Exceptional Scenarios: There are certain scenarios that may not occur frequently but have special rules.

Board Filled: If the game board is completely filled with tiles, the game ends immediately, regardless of how many tiles players have in their hands. The player with the highest score wins.
Tie: In case of a tie, the player who placed the tile with the highest value last wins the game.

3. Rule Clarifications: Certain rules of Tiletum need additional clarification.

Tile Placement: A player can place a tile anywhere on the board, not just adjacent to an existing tile. However, if a tile is placed adjacent to an existing tile, it must match in color or shape.
Scoring: Points are scored immediately after a pattern is created. The pattern does not need to remain intact until the end of the game.
Swapping Tiles: If a player uses a swap tile, they can choose to swap any tile on the board, not just the ones adjacent to the swap tile.

Understanding these special rules and exceptions can greatly enhance your Tiletum gameplay experience and potentially lead to more strategic and interesting games.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Tiletum is a strategic board game that requires careful planning and quick decision-making. Here are some important strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid and ways to optimize gameplay:

Advanced Strategies:

Plan Ahead: Always try to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your strategy accordingly. Keep an eye on their tile placements and try to predict their next move.
Use the Entire Board: Instead of focusing on one area, spread your influence across the board. This will give you more options as the game progresses.
Watch the Tile Count: Keep track of the remaining tiles. This will allow you to plan your moves more effectively and avoid being caught off guard by a sudden end to the game.

Beginner Tips:

Start by focusing on placing your tiles in the center of the board. This will give you more options for future moves.
Try to keep a balance between offensive and defensive play. While it’s important to score points, you also need to prevent your opponent from doing the same.
Remember that the game isn’t over until the last tile is placed. Even if you’re behind, keep playing strategically and you might be able to turn the tide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Your Opponent’s Moves: Don’t get so caught up in your own strategy that you neglect to pay attention to what your opponent is doing.
Forgetting About the Tile Count: Running out of tiles can end the game abruptly. Always keep an eye on the remaining tiles.
Over-Focusing on One Area: While it’s tempting to build a strong presence in one part of the board, this can leave you vulnerable elsewhere.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the game’s dynamics and can develop effective strategies.
Always assess the board after each turn. This will help you identify new opportunities and threats.
Try playing against different opponents. Each player will have their own unique strategy, which can help you improve your adaptability.