Objective of the Game

La Compagnie des glaces is a strategy game where players control railroads traversing a post-apocalyptic ice world. The objective is to expand your railroad companies, gather resources, form strategic alliances, and collect the most points to win the game.

Game Components

• Game Board: A map of the ice world with various cities and railroad connections.
• Train Cards: Cards that represent your railroads and their expansions.
• Resource Tokens: Used to represent various resources like fuel and metal.
• Score Tracker: Keeps track of the players' points throughout the game.
• Dice: Used for random elements in the game.
• Player Pieces: Represent the players on the board.

Game Setup

1. Set Up the Game Board: Place the game board in the center of the table and distribute the resource tokens according to the rulebook instructions.
2. Distribute Train Cards: Each player receives a specific number of train cards, which represent their initial selection of railroads.
3. Distribute Resources: Each player receives a starting amount of fuel and metal.
4. Determine Order: Randomly decide the starting player order.

Gameplay

The game is played in rounds, divided into several phases:

1. Resource Management

• Collect resources from your owned city routes and through trading with other players.
• Spend resources to expand your railroads or open new routes.

2. Construction Phase

• Use resources to build new railway tracks and connect cities.
• Secure strategically important resource locations.

3. Movement Phase

• Move your trains along built tracks, transport goods, or trade with other cities.

4. Interaction Phase

• Negotiate alliances with other players or engage in joint resource projects.
• Handle conflicts and competition for limited resources.

5. Event Phase

• Draw event cards that can cause unpredictable effects on gameplay (e.g., weather changes).
• Adapt your strategy to new conditions.

Game End

The game ends when a predetermined number of rounds have been played or all cities have been built and connected. The player with the most points from tracks, alliances, and resources wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Long-Term Planning: Plan your rail tracks considering future resources.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adapt your strategy due to event cards.
• Alliances: Use alliances to benefit from other players' resources, but be prepared to break them at decisive moments.

Note: Due to the complex rules and numerous interaction possibilities, communication between players is crucial for victory.