Rolling Realms (2021) Board Game

Rolling Realms is a board game created by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games in in 2021. It falls under the category of number, print & play games, and features mechanics such as bingo, dice rolling, paper-and-pencil, and simultaneous action selection. The game is designed for 1-6 players, with a recommended player count of 1-2. With a runtime of around 30 minutes and an age recommendation of 14 and up, Rolling Realms offers a quick and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Rolling Realms

2 large custom dice

66 realm cards (11 per player, all dry-erase friendly)

6 score cards

6 resource cards

6 dry-erase markers

6 eraser pads

10 Automa cards (for solo variant)

1 Automa course log

How To Setup Rolling Realms

To set up Rolling Realms, each player selects three realm cards from the available eleven, which are based on various Stonemaier Games productions such as Tapestry, Viticulture, and Scythe. Players also receive a score card, resource cards, and a dry-erase marker. The game is ready to play once the dice and realm cards are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Write Mechanics: Each turn, one player rolls two dice, and all players use these dice results on their realm cards.

Simultaneous Turns: All players take their turns simultaneously.

Resource Management: Players collect resources (coins, hearts, and pumpkins) to manipulate dice values or gain extra dice.

Mini-Games: Each realm card represents a unique mini-game based on different Stonemaier games.

Game Objective: The goal is to earn the most stars over three rounds by effectively using the dice results and resources.

Player Experience

Playing Rolling Realms feels akin to a solitaire experience, as there is no direct interaction with other players. However, this allows for quick gameplay, with two-player games lasting around 10-15 minutes, and it scales well with additional players. The game is highly variable due to the different realms and the randomness of the dice rolls.

Pros

Variety and Replayability: With 11 different realms and the possibility of mixing and matching, the game offers a high level of variability.

Efficient Gameplay: Games are quick and can be played in under 30 minutes.

Solo Experience: The game includes a robust solo mode with a mini-golf style challenge.

Components: High-quality components, including dry-erase markers and eraser pads, ensure the game remains clean and tidy.

Scalability: The game can be played with any number of players, making it a great option for groups of varying sizes.

Cons

Lack of Interaction: There is minimal interaction between players, which might not appeal to those seeking a more social gaming experience.

Art Quality: Some realm cards lack thematic art, which could be a disappointment for fans of the original games.

Complexity: While generally simple, some realms may feel slightly more complex than others.

Personal Thoughts on Rolling Realms

Rolling Realms is ideal for fans of Stonemaier Games and those who enjoy roll-and-write mechanics. It’s a great filler game that offers more complexity than typical party games but is less involved than main course games. The game is particularly recommended for solo players and those who prefer non-confrontational multiplayer experiences. With its unique blend of mechanics from various Stonemaier productions, Rolling Realms provides a fun and challenging experience that feels like a condensed tour through a hall of fame for board games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.