Game Objective
In Pioneers, players aim to score points by establishing pioneers in different cities across the Western U.S. Players manage wagon columns to settle pioneers in specific locations on the map, earning points and bonuses through clever placement.
Game Components
- A game board depicting a map of the U.S.
- Colorful wagon columns, one for each player
- Pioneers in different colors
- Road tiles
- Coins
- Scorepad
Setup
- Each player receives a number of road tiles and coins.
- Shuffle the pioneers and randomly place them on the cities of the game board.
- Choose a color and take the corresponding wagon column.
- Distribute the starting capital and determine the starting player order.
Gameplay
-
Turn of the active player: The active player can lay a road tile to connect two cities and move their wagon column along this new connection, or alternatively, they can move their wagon along existing roads.
-
Pioneers in cities: On reaching a city with a matching pioneer (e.g., cowboys can only settle in farm towns), the player can settle the pioneer and benefit from bonus actions or earn immediate points.
-
Earning coins: Collecting pioneers and laying roads earn coins, which are crucial for future actions.
-
End of round: After all players have taken their turn, preparations are made for the next round to start.
Game End and Scoring
The game ends when no more pioneers can be settled or when a player reaches a certain number of points. A final scoring occurs, where extra points are awarded for collected pioneers and potentially built roads.
Strategic Tips
- Route Planning: Carefully consider which paths to claim first, as roads are limited and unused routes might benefit your opponents.
- Resource Management: Coins need to be wisely used since they are essential for building roads and other actions.
- Be Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy as the game unfolds, especially to quickly capture pioneers.
