Potion Explosion

To set up, separate each potion type into its own stack. Randomly, or by choice, remove two types of potions from the game. Take two of each of the remaining starter potion types (indicated by stars) and lay them out for all players to see. Starting with the first player (the one who most recently prepared a drink), each player takes one starter potion clockwise. Then, starting with the last player, each player picks a second potion counter-clockwise. Each player places their two chosen potions in their lab area. Lay out the little help tokens and skill tokens for easy reach. Shuffle the remaining potions together and make five tall stacks. Stack the skill tokens into a pile based on the number of players.

The objective of Potion Explosion is to complete as many potions as you can by filling in the ingredient slots on your potion tiles. You earn skill points by getting combinations of three of a kind or five different types of potions. The game ends when all skill tokens have been claimed, and the player with the most points wins.

A player's turn consists of two main actions: picking and placing. First, an inspiring alchemist grabs an ingredient (marble) from the dispenser. If any similar-colored marbles clash into each other, they explode, allowing the alchemist to grab those ingredients as well. This continues, collecting any more marbles that may explode in the meantime. After collecting marbles, the player places them onto their potion recipes, potentially completing potions. Any leftover marbles are placed in the beaker area.

Completed potions are moved to the player's scoring area to be counted at the end of the game. If you find your choices lacking, you can, either before or after your primary pick, get a little help from the professor by taking a help token. This allows you to grab an extra ingredient that will not create any explosions. However, each help token incurs negative two points at the end of the game. You earn skill tokens by completing sets of potions: either three potions of the same type or five potions of different types. Grab one skill token from the stack when you achieve one of these combinations.

The game ends once all the skill tokens have been taken from the stack. The last person to take a turn is the player to the right of the first player, even if that player was the one who took the last skill token. After this final turn, all players count up their points from completed potions and collected skill tokens, subtracting any negative points from help tokens. The player with the most points is declared the most 'pointified' alchemist student and wins the game.