Quick Answer

To play Colony, set up the board, assign dice as resources, and build buildings to score victory points. Solo play follows the same rules with a modified setup for one player.

Understanding Dice as Resources

In Colony, dice are not rolled for movement or combat—they are your resources. Each die face represents a different resource type, and the number on the die determines how much of that resource you receive. Some resources are stable, meaning you can store them between turns, while others are unstable and must be used immediately or lost.

This twist forces you to plan your production carefully. You cannot simply hoard everything; you must decide which buildings to construct based on the resources you have now and what you can store for later.

Solo Play Adjustments

Playing Colony solo follows the same core rules as the multiplayer game, but you manage the game alone. The main difference is that you have no opponents to compete with for resources or building opportunities, so you can focus entirely on optimizing your own production and scoring.

Some players find solo play more relaxing, while others miss the interaction. If you enjoy puzzle-like optimization, solo Colony offers a satisfying challenge.

Step-by-Step Setup and Play

  1. Setup the board: Place the main board in the center. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board, starting resources, and dice. Shuffle the building cards and deal a starting hand. Check that each player has the correct number of starting dice and resources before beginning.
  2. Roll and assign dice: On your turn, roll your dice. Each die face corresponds to a resource type. Assign dice to your buildings or to your storage area. Remember: stable resources can be kept, unstable ones must be used immediately. If you have unstable resources you cannot use, you lose them—so plan your building purchases accordingly.
  3. Build buildings: Spend resources to construct buildings from your hand or the market. Buildings provide new capabilities, such as increased production or additional storage. Place them on your player board. Focus on buildings that complement your current resource flow to avoid wasting unstable resources.
  4. Score victory points: At the end of the game (when the building deck runs out or a set number of rounds is reached), count victory points from buildings and any end-game bonuses. The player with the most points wins. In solo play, compare your score to a target score you set before the game to determine success.
  • Colony: In Colony, dice are used as resources, with each side representing a different resource. Some resources are stable and can be stored between turns, while others must be used right away. This mechanic means you must plan your turns around which resources you can save, making building decisions more strategic.

    Colony

    Colony