Earth Reborn – 101 Guide to Gameplay, Rules & Strategy Tips

Introduction

Earth Reborn is a game that’s all about strategy, survival, and building a new world from the ashes of the old one. This game is a tile-based board game that’s got a lot of depth and complexity. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic future where two factions, NORAD and Salemites, are fighting for control and resources. The game was created by Christophe Boelinger and released back in 2010. I find it interesting for its detailed miniatures, modular board, and the freedom it gives players to create their own scenarios.

Earth Reborn has a rich background story. After a global nuclear war, the Earth is in ruins. But, humanity isn’t totally wiped out. The NORAD military faction and the mystical Salemites emerge from their underground cities and shelters to rebuild and fight for dominance. The game is not just about fighting; it’s also about exploring, completing objectives, and using the environment to your advantage.

What makes Earth Reborn stand out is its S.A.G.S. system (Scenario Auto-Generating System), which lets us players create endless scenarios with different objectives, layouts, and challenges. This means the game has a ton of replay value. You’re not just stuck with the scenarios in the box; you can make your own, which keeps the game fresh and exciting.

Rules for playing Earth Reborn

Alright, let’s dive into the rules of Earth Reborn. The game is played in rounds, and each round has several phases. Players take turns using their characters to move around the board, search for items, engage in combat, and try to complete their objectives. The game uses a unique action point system where each character has a certain number of action points (AP) to spend each turn. You can use AP to do stuff like move, fight, or use special abilities.

Combat is a big part of the game, and it’s handled with a mix of dice rolling and card play. You’ve got to be smart about when to fight and when to hold back. The game also has a line of sight rule, which means you can only attack enemies you can actually “see” on the board. This adds a layer of strategy as you position your characters and use the terrain to your advantage.

Objectives are what drive the game. Each scenario has specific goals for each side to complete. These could be things like rescuing a character, stealing an item, or just taking out the other team. Completing objectives scores you points, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

There’s a lot more to the rules, like how to use equipment, the different abilities of each character, and the special scenario rules. But the key thing to remember is that Earth Reborn is all about using your AP wisely, positioning your characters, and completing objectives.

Equipment and Setup for Earth Reborn

Before you start playing Earth Reborn, you need to set up the game. You’ll need the game box, which comes with a bunch of stuff:

1. Miniatures for the characters and other figures.
2. Modular board tiles that you can arrange to create the game board.
3. Cards for combat and special abilities.
4. Dice for resolving combat and other actions.
5. Tokens for items, objectives, and other game elements.

Setting up the game involves choosing a scenario, which will tell you how to arrange the tiles to create the game board. It’ll also tell you where to place items, objectives, and characters. If you’re feeling creative, you can use the S.A.G.S. system to make your own scenario.

The tiles in Earth Reborn are double-sided and can be combined in countless ways to create different maps. There are indoor tiles with rooms and corridors, and outdoor tiles with roads and rubble. How you set up the tiles can really change the game, so think about the layout when you’re creating or choosing a scenario.

How to Play Earth Reborn and Game Mechanics

Playing Earth Reborn involves a few key mechanics:

1. Key Game Mechanics: You’ve got action points (AP) to spend each turn, and you need to decide how to use them. You can move, attack, search for items, or use special abilities.
2. Setup: Choose a scenario, set up the board with tiles, place characters and items, and get ready to play.
3. Gameplay: Take turns with your opponent, using your characters to complete objectives and fight off the other team.
4. End of the Game: The game ends when one player completes the scenario objectives or when a certain number of rounds have been played. The player with the most points wins.

Here’s a list of gameplay phases:

1. Initiative Phase: Determine who goes first this round.
2. Activation Phase: Players take turns activating their characters and spending AP.
3. Housekeeping Phase: Reset things for the next round, like refreshing used abilities.

How to Win at Earth Reborn

Winning at Earth Reborn is all about strategy. Here are some tips for different levels of play:

Beginner: Focus on learning how the AP system works and how to use your characters’ abilities. Try to complete simple objectives and get a feel for combat.

Intermediate: Start thinking about the layout of the board and how you can use it to your advantage. Use cover to protect your characters and try to predict your opponent’s moves.

Advanced: Now it’s time to get sneaky. Use bluffing and misdirection to throw your opponent off. Try to control key areas of the board and go after high-value objectives.

Best Strategies for playing Earth Reborn game

Here are some strategies that I recommend to help you win at Earth Reborn:

First, always keep an eye on your AP. Don’t waste points on unnecessary actions. Second, control the board. Use the terrain to your advantage and try to block your opponent’s moves. Third, know your characters. Each one has unique abilities, so use them wisely.

Also, don’t forget about items. Searching for and using items can really turn the tide of the game. And finally, always be flexible. Be ready to change your plan if things aren’t going your way.

Scenarios

Good and bad scenarios can happen in Earth Reborn. Maybe you’re cornered by the enemy, or you’ve just found a powerful item. Whatever the situation, always think about how you can use it to your advantage. If you’re in trouble, try to retreat and regroup. If you’ve got the upper hand, press your advantage and go for the win.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Earth Reborn game

Here are some common questions and answers:

1. Q: How long does a game of Earth Reborn take?
   A: It can vary, but usually it takes a few hours. It depends on the scenario and how familiar players are with the rules.
2. Q: Can I play Earth Reborn with more than two players?
   A: Yes, you can play with up to four players, with two players controlling each faction.
3. Q: Is Earth Reborn good for beginners?
   A: It can be complex, but if you take the time to learn the rules, it’s really rewarding.
4. Q: Do I need to paint the miniatures?
   A: No, you don’t need to, but painting them can make the game even more immersive.
5. Q: Can I create my own scenarios?
   A: Absolutely! The S.A.G.S. system is designed for players to create their own scenarios.

External Links

For more information on Earth Reborn, check out these links:

Earth Reborn Review [Video]