Quarriors! A Guide to Rules, Instructions & Playing Strategies

Introduction

Quarriors! is a fast-paced dice game where players become powerful Quarriors, casting spells and summoning fantastical creatures to battle in an ever-changing arena of hexahedron might. The game was created by Mike Elliott and Eric M. Lang, first hitting the shelves in 2011.

I find it offers a good gameplay blend of strategy and luck, with a dash of dice-rolling chaos for players 14+. Players build their collection of dice, which represent their army of creatures and spells, and use them to outmaneuver opponents and earn the most glory. The game is known for its dynamic gameplay and the vast array of dice that come with it. Since its release, Quarriors! has gained a dedicated following and has seen several expansions that add new rules and dice to the mix.

If you’re into similar, portable and self-contained dice games I recommend checking out Button Men, which I’ve also written a guide on.

Rules for playing Quarriors!

Understanding the rules of Quarriors! is key to enjoying the game. Each player starts with an identical set of twelve dice, which they use to draw and roll each turn. The dice have different faces that can give you Quiddity (the game’s currency), creatures, or spells. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

1. Each player draws and rolls six dice from their dice bag at the start of their turn.
2. Players use Quiddity to summon creatures or cast spells.
3. Summoned creatures can attack other players’ creatures or the player directly.
4. At the end of the turn, if your creatures survived, they earn you glory points.
5. The first player to reach a set number of glory points, usually 20, wins the game.

There are more detailed rules regarding the culling of dice, capturing creatures, and using spells, but these are the basics that will get you started.

Equipment and Setup for Quarriors!

To play Quarriors!, you’ll need the game box which includes 130 custom dice, 53 power cards, a score tracker, and dice bags for each player. Setting up the game involves each player taking a dice bag and the starting set of dice. The rest of the dice are sorted into the “Wilds,” where players can buy new creatures and spells to add to their bag.

How to Play Quarriors!

The gameplay of Quarriors! is divided into several phases:

1. Draw and Roll: Draw six dice from your bag, roll them, and see what resources you have.
2. Main Phase: You can summon creatures, cast spells, and use Quiddity to buy new dice.
3. Ready Area: Move any summoned creatures to your ready area to prepare for battle.
4. Attack: Your creatures attack, targeting either an opponent’s creatures or the opponent directly.
5. Score: If your creatures survive until your next turn, they score glory points.
6. Clean-Up: Move used dice to your used pile, and prepare for the next turn.

How to Win at Quarriors!

Winning Quarriors! involves a mix of strategy and luck. Beginners should focus on understanding the different dice and their abilities. Intermediate players can start to build combos with their creatures and spells, while advanced players will need to anticipate their opponents’ moves and counter them effectively. Balancing your dice bag with a mix of creatures, spells, and Quiddity-generating dice is crucial.

Best Strategies for playing Quarriors! game

To excel at Quarriors!, you need to develop a strategy that adapts to the changing game state. Some key strategies include:

• Managing your dice bag to ensure a good mix of attack and defense.
• Choosing the right moment to cull weaker dice from your bag.
• Watching the Wilds for powerful dice that can change the tide of the game.
• Knowing when to go on the offensive and when to build up your defenses.

Variations

Quarriors! can be played with various rule variations to keep the game fresh. Some players like to change the number of glory points needed to win or play with a draft system for choosing starting dice. The expansions also introduce new rules and dice that can be mixed into the base game.

Scenarios

During the game, you might find yourself with a weak roll or facing a powerful creature from an opponent. In these scenarios, it’s important to stay flexible and adjust your strategy. Sometimes, it’s better to save your Quiddity to buy a powerful die rather than summoning a weak creature.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Quarriors! game

1. Q: What happens if I can’t draw six dice? A: If your bag is empty, refill it with dice from your used pile and continue drawing.
2. Q: Can I attack multiple opponents? A: No, you choose one opponent to attack each turn.
3. Q: What does culling a die mean? A: It means permanently removing a die from your bag, usually to improve the quality of your future draws.
4. Q: Can I use spells to protect my creatures? A: Yes, some spells can be used to shield your creatures or counter opponents’ spells.
5. Q: How do I keep track of my glory points? A: Use the score tracker included in the game to mark your points.

External Links

WizKids Quarriors Official Publisher Website

Quarriors! Rulebook [EN/PDF]