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The Initiative
Unexpected Games · 2021
1–430–60 min8+ yrs2.0/5 complexity7.5 BGGCo-op
⚡ short answer
How do you play The Initiative?
The primary objective of The Initiative is for players to cooperatively complete missions by breaking a code. Each mission presents a question, and the answer is found by revealing glyphs on clue tokens and matching them to the mission console. Successfully answering the question leads to victory for that mission, allowing the group to advance the story. The game is campaign-driven, with each mission unfolding a new part of the narrative and potentially introducing new gameplay elements.
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FromRON 359
▶ Watch It Played · The Initiative - How To Play
The Initiative - How To Play
Watch It Played· 20 min· published Mar 31, 2021Community
the rules in 60 seconds▶ auto · 1/6
🧩
01
Setup
Each player chooses a character, sets up the mission console with the mission card, places clue tokens and features on the board according to the mission map, and deals four resource cards to each player.
The rules, step by step
Setup
To set up, each player selects a character and their corresponding standee. The game is then prepared for a specific mission, as indicated by the guidebook. The mission console is assembled, and the chosen mission card is slid into its top groove, ensuring the underside remains hidden. Clue tokens, which are tan-backed, are mixed and stacked on the board according to the mission map. Any features, such as wall tokens or entrances, are also placed as shown on the map. Four brown action cards and a double-sided discard pile card are placed by the board, with four time resource cards stacked on the discard pile. Finally, the resource deck (cards with a hat-wearing figure on the back) is shuffled, and four cards are dealt to each player as their starting hand.
Objective
The primary objective of The Initiative is for players to cooperatively complete missions by breaking a code. Each mission presents a question, and the answer is found by revealing glyphs on clue tokens and matching them to the mission console. Successfully answering the question leads to victory for that mission, allowing the group to advance the story. The game is campaign-driven, with each mission unfolding a new part of the narrative and potentially introducing new gameplay elements.
On your turn
On your turn, you must perform either one or two actions. These actions can be any combination of the four main actions (Run, Intel, Gather, Regroup) and/or your character's unique special action. To perform a main action, you play a resource card from your hand onto the corresponding action pile. The value of the played card must be higher than the top card currently on that pile. After resolving the action's effect, you draw new cards from the resource deck until you are holding four cards again. If the resource deck runs out, the discard pile is shuffled to form a new deck, and the discard pile card is flipped to its 'in peril' side.
Scoring
Players win a mission by correctly answering the question posed on the mission card. This can be attempted at any time as a group, even if not all windows on the mission console have been revealed. If the group's answer is exactly correct, they win the mission. If the answer is incorrect, even by a single letter or number, the group loses the mission. Regardless of winning or losing, players will then consult the campaign log in the guidebook to determine the next steps in the story.
Game end
The game can end in two ways: victory or defeat. Victory occurs when players successfully answer the mission's question. Defeat occurs if players run out of time. This happens if the resource deck becomes empty, the discard pile is shuffled and flipped to its 'in peril' side, and then three or more time symbols accumulate in the discard pile. If the game ends due to running out of time, players do not get a final chance to guess the code; they immediately lose. After each mission, whether won or lost, players record the outcome in the campaign log and follow the instructions to advance the story.
Tips
Effective communication is crucial, but remember to only discuss the types of cards you have, not their exact numerical values, to maintain strategic depth. When performing Intel actions, consider revealing tokens in rooms far from your current position to scout ahead without expending movement actions. This can help you identify necessary glyphs or avoid traps more efficiently. Be cautious about playing high-value cards to action piles, as this can limit future options for yourself and other players. The Regroup action is valuable for resetting action piles, but remember it cannot clear itself, so plan its use strategically. Utilize pen and paper to keep track of revealed glyphs and potential code solutions, as this can significantly aid in solving complex missions.
🔬 game anatomy
Complexity2.0 / 5
BGG rating7.5 / 10
Vibe
Co-op
Language dependence
Unplayable in another language
Play time
30–60 min
Players
1–4
Recommended age
8+ yrs
✨ from Trișache · verified
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the goal of the game?
The primary objective of The Initiative is for players to cooperatively complete missions by breaking a code. Each mission presents a question, and the answer is found by revealing glyphs on clue tokens and matching them to the mission console. Successfully answering the question leads to victory for that mission, allowing the group to advance the story. The game is campaign-driven, with each mission unfolding a new part of the narrative and potentially introducing new gameplay elements.
Q2How do you set up the game?
To set up, each player selects a character and their corresponding standee. The game is then prepared for a specific mission, as indicated by the guidebook. The mission console is assembled, and the chosen mission card is slid into its top groove, ensuring the underside remains hidden. Clue tokens, which are tan-backed, are mixed and stacked on the board according to the mission map. Any features, such as wall tokens or entrances, are also placed as shown on the map. Four brown action cards and a double-sided discard pile card are placed by the board, with four time resource cards stacked on the discard pile. Finally, the resource deck (cards with a hat-wearing figure on the back) is shuffled, and four cards are dealt to each player as their starting hand.
Q3How does a turn work?
On your turn, you must perform either one or two actions. These actions can be any combination of the four main actions (Run, Intel, Gather, Regroup) and/or your character's unique special action. To perform a main action, you play a resource card from your hand onto the corresponding action pile. The value of the played card must be higher than the top card currently on that pile. After resolving the action's effect, you draw new cards from the resource deck until you are holding four cards again. If the resource deck runs out, the discard pile is shuffled to form a new deck, and the discard pile card is flipped to its 'in peril' side.
Q4How is scoring calculated?
Players win a mission by correctly answering the question posed on the mission card. This can be attempted at any time as a group, even if not all windows on the mission console have been revealed. If the group's answer is exactly correct, they win the mission. If the answer is incorrect, even by a single letter or number, the group loses the mission. Regardless of winning or losing, players will then consult the campaign log in the guidebook to determine the next steps in the story.
Q5When and how does the game end?
The game can end in two ways: victory or defeat. Victory occurs when players successfully answer the mission's question. Defeat occurs if players run out of time. This happens if the resource deck becomes empty, the discard pile is shuffled and flipped to its 'in peril' side, and then three or more time symbols accumulate in the discard pile. If the game ends due to running out of time, players do not get a final chance to guess the code; they immediately lose. After each mission, whether won or lost, players record the outcome in the campaign log and follow the instructions to advance the story.
Q6What tips are there for beginners?
Effective communication is crucial, but remember to only discuss the types of cards you have, not their exact numerical values, to maintain strategic depth. When performing Intel actions, consider revealing tokens in rooms far from your current position to scout ahead without expending movement actions. This can help you identify necessary glyphs or avoid traps more efficiently. Be cautious about playing high-value cards to action piles, as this can limit future options for yourself and other players. The Regroup action is valuable for resetting action piles, but remember it cannot clear itself, so plan its use strategically. Utilize pen and paper to keep track of revealed glyphs and potential code solutions, as this can significantly aid in solving complex missions.
Q7How much does The Initiative cost?
The Initiative costs around 359 RON in Romania.
Q8Where can I buy The Initiative cheapest?
The lowest price for The Initiative right now is 359 RON at Regatul Jocurilor. The Prices tab lists every store currently tracking it.
Q9How do you play The Initiative?
The Initiative is a adventure game, for 1–4 players, taking ~30–60 minutes, featuring area movement. Check the Rules tab for setup, gameplay, and scoring, or ask Trișache anything about The Initiative — our AI assistant built by howtoplay.ro and trained specifically on board game rulebooks.
Q10How many players does The Initiative support?
The Initiative is played by 1–4 players.
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The Initiative (English Edition)
free over RON 149
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RON 359
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