Objective

Cyclades is a strategic board game where 2 to 5 players take on the roles of ancient Greek city-states. The main objective is to be the first to build two metropolis cities.

Game Components

The game includes: - A game board with multiple islands - Various cards (Mythological Creatures and God cards) - Ship and army units - Temples, universities, and fortresses

Setup

1. Game Board: Place the board in the middle with islands arranged according to the number of players.
2. Starting Setup: Each player chooses a color and receives their respective units and markers.
3. Money: Each player starts with 5 coins.
4. God Cards: Shuffle and place the god cards onto their designated spaces.
5. Mythological Creatures: Shuffle these cards into a draw pile.

Game Flow

The game is played over multiple rounds, each consisting of several phases:

1. Income Phase

• All players receive income based on the islands they control.

2. Bid Phase

• Players bid coins on different gods, each granting specific actions (e.g., Poseidon to move ships).
• Bids occur in a fixed order, with only the highest bidder receiving the benefits of the respective god.

3. Action Phase

• Players perform the actions associated with the gods they have successfully bid on.
• This can include building units, conquering islands, or other strategic maneuvers.

4. Use of Mythological Creatures

• Players can play mythological creature cards to activate special advantages or attacks.

5. End of Round

• The round ends when all players have completed their turns. God cards are reshuffled, and a new round begins.

Special Rules

• Building a Metropolis: To construct a metropolis, a player needs four different buildings: a fort, a port, a temple, and a university, or alternatively, they can gather four philosopher cards.
• Combat System: Battles are resolved using a dice-rolling system, with the strength of army units being critical.

Strategy Tips

• Resource Management: Wisely manage your money to secure control of critical gods.
• Bid Planning: Use your coins strategically to prevent opponents from securing vital actions.
• Adaptability: Stay aware of opponents' strategies and adapt to opportunities creatively.

Cyclades offers a blend of strategy, diplomacy, and tactics, providing both new and experienced players with an engaging experience set in ancient Greece.