Quick answer

The Pyramid Arcade Book is a compact rulebook and companion for Pyramid Arcade. It contains rules for all 22 games in the set, plus pyramid history and lore, fun trivia, suggested follow-up games, and even thematic nanofiction and haiku. If you already own Pyramid Arcade and want the full context in one place, this book is a practical pickup. If you only need the rules, they are already included in the box.

Pyramid Arcade

Pyramid Arcade

What exactly is the Pyramid Arcade Book?

It is the same rulebook that comes inside Pyramid Arcade, sold separately. That means it covers the 22 games included in that set, such as Black Ice, Petal Battle, Color Wheel, Petri Dish, Give or Take, Pharaoh, Hijinks, Powerhouse, and others. Beyond rules, it folds in pyramid history and lore, fun trivia, suggested follow-up games, and some thematic nanofiction and haiku. Think of it as a play companion and a small lore archive, not just a dry manual.

Who is this book actually for?

It suits three kinds of players: someone who owns Pyramid Arcade and wants a durable reference copy, a pyramid fan who enjoys the fictional and historical extras, or a host who wants follow-up game ideas after finishing the core 22. It is not necessary if you already have the Pyramid Arcade box and only need the rules, since those are already inside. It is also not a standalone game; you still need Looney Pyramids to play.

How does it compare to other pyramid game books?

The Pyramid Arcade Book is focused on the 22 games in Pyramid Arcade. It is not the same as Playing With Pyramids, which includes rules for MegaVolcano and other games that require larger boards and more stashes. If you are chasing MegaVolcano, you will need that separate book or the free rules online, plus the 6x6 Mega Volcano Board and the equivalent of 10 monochrome stashes. The Pyramid Arcade Book is the better first buy for the standard set.

Playing With Pyramids

Playing With Pyramids

Does it work with expansions or extra boards?

The book is tied to the Pyramid Arcade game list, so it does not contain rules for every Looney Pyramids product. For example, the 3x4 Board is meant for storage of Bank pieces in Homeworlds, and it can be adapted for other games if you use ELBS or other tokens to mark off one row and make it effectively a 3x3 board. That kind of adaptation is not covered in this book, so treat the Pyramid Arcade Book as a guide to its own 22 games first.

Pyramid Arcade Book FAQ

Is this the same book that comes in Pyramid Arcade?

Yes. It is the rulebook that comes in Pyramid Arcade, sold separately. If your box copy is worn or you want a second copy for a friend, this is the same content. Buy it as a replacement or a gift, not as a new expansion.

Does it include rules for all 22 Pyramid Arcade games?

It includes rules for the 22 games in Pyramid Arcade, including Black Ice, Petal Battle, Color Wheel, Petri Dish, Give or Take, Pharaoh, Hijinks, and Powerhouse. It also adds history, lore, trivia, suggested follow-up games, nanofiction, and haiku. One book covers the whole set plus extras.

Can I use it to learn MegaVolcano?

No. MegaVolcano rules are in Playing With Pyramids or available for free online. MegaVolcano also needs the equivalent of 10 different monochrome stashes and a 6x6 Mega Volcano Board. Get Playing With Pyramids if MegaVolcano is your priority.

Do I need this book if I already own Pyramid Arcade?

Not for the rules alone, because they are already in the box. The extra value is in having a separate reference copy and enjoying the lore, trivia, nanofiction, and haiku in a dedicated book. Skip it if you only need the rules; buy it for the extras or a spare copy.

Is the Pyramid Arcade Book an expansion?

No. It does not add new games or components. It is a rulebook and companion for the Pyramid Arcade set. If you want new games, look at other Looney Pyramids products or the Playing With Pyramids book. Expect a reference and lore book, not new gameplay.

Product facts

  • Pyramid Arcade Book: This is the rulebook that comes in Pyramid Arcade. It has a wealth of information, both functional and entertaining, including, in addition to rules for the 22 games in Pyramid Arcade, history and lore of the pyramids, fun trivia, suggested follow up games, and even some thematic nanofiction and haiku. You get the full rules plus lore, trivia, and follow-up suggestions in one compact book.
  • 6x6 Mega Volcano Board: MegaVolcano requires the equivalent of 10 different monochrome stashes. Rules are in the book Playing With Pyramids, or you can leave this site to find the rules to Mega volcano for free online. If MegaVolcano is your goal, this book is not the rules source; you need Playing With Pyramids or the free online rules.
  • 3x4 Board: This board is meant for storage of Bank pieces in the game Homeworlds, but there are other games for Looney Pyramids that could make use of this board, particularly if you use ELBS or other tokens to mark off one row and make this effectively a 3x3 board. The Pyramid Arcade Book does not cover Homeworlds or this board, so do not expect those rules here.