Cosmolancer Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to Cosmolancer, a strategic board game by Reiner Knizia. In this game, players take on the role of freelance space photographers, known as Cosmolancers, competing to capture the most valuable photos of cosmic phenomena. Strategic placement of Photo Op tiles and Imaging Devices is key, while avoiding or mitigating cosmic dangers. The player with the most Interstellar Credits after three rounds wins.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, playing, and understanding the rules of Cosmolancer.

2. Components

Before starting, ensure all components are present:

• 1 Gameboard
• 22 Cardboard Photo Op Tiles (including Hazard tiles)
• 41 Wooden Imaging Device Tokens (with various values and multipliers)
• 94 Cardboard Interstellar Credits (various denominations)
• 1 Rulebook

Image: All game components, including the board, tiles, tokens, and credits, arranged for display.

Image: The game box insert showing compartments for organizing the various game pieces.

3. Setup

1. Place the Gameboard: Unfold the gameboard and place it in the center of the playing area. The board features a grid of spaces where Photo Op tiles will be placed.
2. Sort Photo Op Tiles: Separate the 22 Cardboard Photo Op tiles into two stacks: 16 regular Photo Op tiles and 6 Hazard tiles. Shuffle each stack separately and place them face down near the board.
3. Prepare Imaging Device Tokens: Distribute the 41 Wooden Imaging Device tokens among players. Each player receives a set of tokens (refer to the rulebook for exact distribution based on player count). These tokens are numbered and may include multipliers.
4. Interstellar Credits: Place the 94 Cardboard Interstellar Credits in a general supply pile accessible to all players. These credits are used for scoring.
5. Starting Player: Determine the starting player by any agreed-upon method.

Image: An overhead view of the game board, showing the grid layout and spaces for tiles.

4. Operating (How to Play)

Cosmolancer is played over three rounds. Each round consists of players taking turns placing tiles and tokens to maximize their score. The goal is to earn the most Interstellar Credits.

Game Flow

On your turn, you will perform one of two actions:

1. Place a Photo Op Tile: Draw a Photo Op tile from the shuffled stack and place it onto an empty space on the gameboard. Photo Op tiles depict various cosmic phenomena and have a base credit value.
2. Place an Imaging Device Token: Place one of your available Wooden Imaging Device tokens onto an empty space on the gameboard. These tokens have values (1-4, or multipliers) that will affect the scoring of adjacent Photo Op tiles.

Hazard Tiles: Some Photo Op tiles are Hazard tiles. When a Hazard tile is drawn and placed, it typically subtracts credits from adjacent Photo Op tiles. Players must strategically decide where to place these to minimize their own losses or sabotage opponents' scores.

Image: A player holding a Hazard tile, which can negatively impact scores.

Image: Various Imaging Device tokens, used to influence the scoring of Photo Op tiles.

Scoring Rounds

Each round ends when a specific condition is met (e.g., all Photo Op tiles are placed, or a certain number of Imaging Device tokens have been used). At the end of each round, players calculate their scores based on the placement of Photo Op tiles and Imaging Device tokens. Scores are typically calculated for each row and column on the board. The values of Imaging Device tokens multiply or add to the base values of adjacent Photo Op tiles.

Image: A token being placed on the round tracker, indicating progress through the game.

Image: Interstellar Credit tokens, used to track player scores throughout the game.

Winning the Game

After three rounds, the player with the highest total Interstellar Credits wins the game and is declared the ultimate Cosmolancer.

5. Maintenance

• Storage: Store all game components in their designated compartments within the game box to prevent loss or damage. Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Cleaning: If components become dirty, gently wipe them with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or liquids, as these may damage the artwork or material.
• Handling: Handle cardboard tiles and wooden tokens with care to prevent bending, tearing, or chipping.

6. Troubleshooting

• Missing Components: If any components are missing upon opening the box, please contact Hasbro Gaming customer support.
• Rule Clarification: For any ambiguities in the rules, refer to the official rulebook included with the game. Online forums or official game websites may also provide clarifications or FAQs.
• Scoring Disputes: In case of scoring disputes, re-read the relevant scoring rules carefully. If a consensus cannot be reached, a house rule can be established for future games.

7. Specifications

8. Official Game Video