Objective of the Game
Santorini is a strategic board game where two to four players take on the role of builders on the Greek island of the same name. The objective of the game is to either maneuver your builder onto the third level of a building or to prevent the opponents from doing so.
Components
- 1 game board with a 5x5 grid
- 22 blue domes
- 18 Level-1 blocks
- 18 Level-2 blocks
- 18 Level-3 blocks
- 30 builder figurines (in five different colors)
- 10 God power cards (or more, depending on the version)
Setup
- Each player selects two builders of one color.
- All God cards are shuffled, and each player receives a special God power card, adding variety to each game.
- The board is set up empty, and players alternate placing their two builders on different spaces on the board.
How to Play
- Player’s Turn: Each player takes a turn, which consists of two actions: Move and Build.
- Move: Choose one of your builders and move it to an adjacent empty space. You may move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. You can step up only one level, but you can step down any number of levels.
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Build: After moving, build a block (Level 1, 2, or 3) or a dome on an adjacent empty space.
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Special Rules:
- Levels: A builder on Level 2 can only step onto Level 3 if no dome is present.
- Domes: Domes are only built to complete a tower and serve as a block.
- Winning: If you get your builder onto a Level 3 building, you win the game.
Strategic Insights
- Tactical Placement: Consider carefully where you place your builders. It affects not only where you can build but also how you can block opposing strategies.
- Using Domes: Use domes strategically to complete towers and block opponents from achieving the win condition.
- God Cards: These cards give you unique abilities. Some allow extra movements, climbs or other special advantages over standard moves.
Ending the Game
The game ends immediately when a builder moves onto a Level 3 building. Alternatively, the game can end if all moves are exhausted and no player can achieve victory.
