Welcome to the Moon

2021

Welcome to the Moon brings you to a thrilling space colonization race. Navigate through starships, complete missions, and experience changing adventures in campaign mode!

30
minutes

1 - 6
player(s)

10+

Medium

About the game

Embark on an incredible lunar adventure with the board game, Welcome to the Moon. This game introduces you to a fascinating world set in the future, where mankind has successfully colonized the moon. The theme revolves around creating and managing your own lunar colony while navigating through various challenges that the harsh lunar environment presents.

The game is set on a stunningly designed lunar map, complete with realistic craters, moon bases, and even lunar rovers. Each player starts with their own base, with the objective to expand their colony, mine resources, and achieve scientific breakthroughs while overcoming various obstacles.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Welcome to the Moon is an immersive, strategic board game that requires tactical decision making and planning. Below, you’ll find a description of the game’s components and an explanation of their function within the game.

1. Game Board:

The game board represents the surface of the moon and is divided into various territories that players aim to control. Each territory has different resources and benefits. During the game, players will move their astronauts and build their bases on this board.

2. Astronaut Figures:

Each player has a set of astronaut figures that represent their team of explorers on the moon. These figures are used to claim territories, gather resources, and engage in conflicts with other players. The color of the astronaut figures varies to distinguish between different players.

3. Resource Cards:

Resource cards represent the various materials players can collect on the moon, such as water, minerals, and moon rocks. These resources are necessary for building bases, upgrading equipment, and trading. A player can obtain these cards by having their astronaut figures on the corresponding territories on the game board.

4. Base Tokens:

Base tokens are used to establish a player’s settlement on the moon. Placing a base token on a territory claims that territory for the player, allowing them to collect resources and providing a launch point for further exploration. The number of base tokens each player has is limited, making strategic placement essential.

5. Dice:

The game includes a set of dice used to resolve conflicts, determine the amount of resources collected, and influence other elements of randomness in the game. The outcome of many in-game actions depends on the roll of these dice.

6. Event Cards:

Event cards introduce unexpected challenges or opportunities in the game. They might cause a sudden shortage of resources, a discovery of new territory, or a conflict between players. Players draw event cards at the beginning of their turn, adding an element of unpredictability to the game.

7. Mission Cards:

Mission cards provide specific objectives for players to complete in order to gain additional resources or advantages. These missions can include tasks like exploring a specific territory, collecting a certain amount of resources, or establishing a number of bases.

8. Player Aid Cards:

Player aid cards provide a summary of the game rules, turn structure, and actions that a player can take during their turn. They serve as a handy reference, especially for new players, to keep the game flow smooth and uninterrupted.

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

Welcome to the Moon is an exciting board game that combines strategy and chance. Here is a detailed guide on setting up the game:

Step 1: Unfold the Game Board

Unfold the game board and place it in the center of the playing area. Ensure all players can reach the board comfortably.

Step 2: Prepare the Resource Cards

Shuffle the resource cards and place them face down on their designated spots on the board. These cards include Oxygen, Metal, and Water. Each player will draw a certain number of these cards during the setup phase.

Step 3: Determine Player Roles

Each player will randomly select a role card. There are four roles in the game: Scientist, Engineer, Geologist, and Captain. Each role has its own special abilities that can be used during the game.

Step 4: Place the Player Pieces

Each player selects a colored astronaut piece and places it in the starting area, the Lunar Base.

Step 5: Distribute Initial Resources

Each player draws three resource cards from the deck. They can use these resources to build structures, trade with other players, or activate special abilities.

Step 6: Random Elements

The event cards are shuffled and placed face down on their designated spot on the board. These cards introduce random elements into the game, such as meteor showers or equipment malfunctions.

Step 7: Determine the First Player

Finally, decide who will go first. This can be done by rolling a dice, with the highest roll going first, or simply by choosing the youngest or oldest player.

Now, you’re all set to start your lunar adventure! Remember, the key to winning in ‘Welcome to the Moon’ is a good strategy and a bit of luck!

Game flow Round and round we go

Welcome to the Moon is a strategic board game where players are tasked with building and managing their own lunar colonies. The game is divided into several rounds, each with its own distinct set of actions. The game moves clockwise from the starting player, with each player taking their turn in order.

Game Setup:

Each player receives a game board representing their lunar colony.
The deck of development cards is shuffled and placed face down on the table.
Each player draws two development cards and keeps them hidden from other players.

Each game round consists of several phases:

1. Draw Phase:

At the beginning of their turn, a player draws two development cards from the deck.
The player keeps one card and places the other at the bottom of the deck.

2. Action Phase:

The player can perform up to two actions. The actions include building a new structure in their colony, upgrading an existing structure, or activating a special ability on one of their development cards.
Building a structure requires the player to discard a development card with a matching symbol from their hand.
Upgrading a structure requires the player to discard two matching development cards from their hand.

3. Resource Phase:

At the end of their turn, the player collects resources based on the structures they have built in their colony. These resources are necessary for building and upgrading structures in future rounds.

4. End-of-Round Phase:

The player ends their turn by checking if they have more than five development cards in their hand. If they do, they must discard down to five.
Control then passes to the next player in clockwise order who begins their turn with the Draw Phase.

The game continues in this manner until one player has built a certain number of structures (determined by the number of players) in their lunar colony. At this point, the game ends and the player with the most points, calculated based on the structures and upgrades in their colony, wins.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

In the board game ‘Welcome to the Moon’, each player’s turn consists of several key actions which can be made. Understanding each of these actions and their strategic implications is crucial to mastering the game. Below is a detailed description of what happens during a player’s turn, the actions they can make, and the potential strategic choices.

At the start of each turn, the player must first draw a card from the deck.

Drawing a card is a mandatory action and it provides the player with more options to play. The card could be a Resource Card, an Event Card, or a Special Action Card.
Resource Cards are used to build structures on the moon, which are essential to winning the game.
Event Cards can alter the state of the game by introducing new conditions or changing existing ones.
Special Action Cards provide unique options that can give the player an advantage.

After drawing a card, the player then has the option to play a card from their hand.

Playing a Resource Card enables the player to build structures. This is a critical part of the game’s strategy as certain structures provide benefits and contribute to the player’s score.
Playing an Event Card can disrupt the plans of other players, or mitigate potential threats to the player’s own structures.
Playing a Special Action Card can turn the tide of the game by providing a sudden advantage or disrupting the flow of the game in unexpected ways.

The player also has the choice to discard a card instead of playing one. This could be a strategic move to make room for more useful cards, or to prevent opponents from guessing the player’s strategy based on their hand.

Finally, the player ends their turn by refilling their hand to the maximum hand size. This means drawing enough cards from the deck to reach the hand limit, which is typically 5 cards.

By considering these actions and strategic choices, players can formulate their strategies to win ‘Welcome to the Moon’. The key is to use cards wisely, build structures strategically, and adapt to the changing conditions of the game.

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

The game of ‘Welcome to the Moon’ concludes when either of the two end-game conditions are met. These conditions are:

When all the building spots on a player’s moon base have been filled in.
When all players have been unable to place a building during a round. This typically occurs when all construction options have been exhausted and no more buildings can be placed.

Once either of these conditions has been satisfied, the game enters its final phase where players calculate their final scores. This involves tallying points from several sources:

1. Base Score:

Each player adds up the points from all the buildings in their moon base. The value of each building is indicated on the building itself.

2. Bonus Score:

Next, players add any bonus points they may have earned during the game. This includes bonus points from special buildings or achievements that were fulfilled during the game.

3. Penalty Points:

Finally, any penalty points are subtracted from the player’s total score. Penalty points can come from incomplete buildings or other game actions that incurred penalties.

After all scores have been calculated, the player with the highest final score is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the player who triggered the end of the game is the winner. If this does not break the tie, the player with the most buildings on their moon base wins. If there is still a tie, the player who placed the most high-value buildings on their moon base wins. If there is still a tie, then the game is a draw.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In ‘Welcome to the Moon’, players strive to earn the most victory points by constructing bases, completing missions, and acquiring research advancements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the scoring system:

Constructing Bases

Each base construction on the moon surface earns players points:

Small Base: A small base earns the player 3 points.
Medium Base: A medium base earns the player 6 points.
Large Base: A large base earns the player 9 points.

Completing Missions

Points are also awarded for completing missions:

Standard Missions: Completing a standard mission earns the player 5 points.
Advanced Missions: Completing an advanced mission earns the player 10 points.

Research Advancements

Research advancements can provide additional points:

Basic Research: Each basic research advancement provides 1 point.
Specialized Research: Each specialized research advancement provides 2 points.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In the event of a tie, the following rules apply:

The player who has completed the most advanced missions wins.
If there is still a tie, the player who has constructed the most bases wins.
If a tie still persists, the player with the most specialized research advancements wins.
Finally, if a tie still remains, the player who achieved their final point total first is the winner.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

Welcome to the Moon is a thrilling board game that transports players to a lunar landscape. While the core gameplay is straightforward, there are several special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that can significantly impact the game. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game.

1. Special Rules:

Gravity Wells: Anytime a player lands on a tile with a gravity well, they must roll the dice again. If the result is less than 4, the player remains stuck in the gravity well and loses their next turn.
Lunar Rovers: Players can use a lunar rover to travel to any location on the board. However, once used, the lunar rover is unavailable for the rest of the game.
Alien Encounters: When a player lands on an alien encounter tile, they must draw an alien encounter card and follow the instructions. These encounters can have various effects, both positive and negative.

2. Exceptions:

Starting Position: Unlike regular board games, players do not start from a fixed position. Instead, they can choose any corner tile as their starting point.
Victory Conditions: A player does not need to reach a specific tile to win. Instead, the player who collects the most lunar gems by the end of the game is declared the winner.

3. Rule Clarifications:

Trading: Players can trade lunar gems, equipment, and even turns with other players. However, trades must be agreed upon by both parties and cannot occur during a player’s turn.
Player Elimination: If a player loses all their health points, they are not eliminated from the game. Instead, they respawn at their starting position with half their total lunar gems.
End of Game: The game ends when all lunar gems have been collected. If multiple players have the same number of lunar gems, the player with the most health points wins.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Welcome to the Moon is a strategic board game that requires players to build lunar bases and compete for resources. Here are some tips and strategies to help you improve your gameplay.

Advanced Strategies

Resource Management: A key element of winning this game is the effective management of resources. Always aim to maximize the use of your resources to build your bases and gain victory points.
Positioning: The placement of your lunar bases is crucial. Try to position your bases in areas that will allow you to exploit the most resources.
Expansion: Expanding your presence on the moon is important. However, be cautious about expanding too quickly as it can deplete your resources.

Beginner Tips

Understand the Rules: Before you start playing, make sure you fully understand the rules. This game has a lot of details and missing one could cost you the game.
Start Small: It’s okay to start with a smaller base and gradually expand. This allows you to learn the game mechanics and develop your strategy.
Observe Others: Pay attention to the strategies of more experienced players. You can learn a lot from observing their moves and decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating Opponents: Never underestimate your opponents. Even if they are behind, a well-placed base or a smart move can turn the tide of the game.
Overexpansion: As tempting as it may be to expand rapidly, this can lead to a lack of resources and leave your bases vulnerable.
Ignoring Victory Points: While building and expanding are important, remember the ultimate goal is to earn victory points. Always keep an eye on opportunities to earn these points.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay

Plan Ahead: Always have a plan for your moves. This will help you to optimize your resource usage and stay ahead of your opponents.
Adapt: Be flexible and ready to adapt your strategy based on the game situation. A rigid strategy can often lead to a loss.
Practice: Like any game, the more you play, the better you will get. Practice regularly to improve your skills.