For All Mankind Board Game: Rules and Setup Guide

Quick answer

Set up For All Mankind by placing the game board, distributing resources, and shuffling the event and trade decks. Learn the core rules in about 15 minutes and finish a game in roughly 60 minutes.

Setup and rules step by step

1. Unbox and organize components: Open the box and separate the game board, player tokens, resource cubes, event cards, trade cards, and the movement tracker. Confirm you have 4 player tokens (one per player) and enough resource cubes for each color. Common mistake: missing a resource cube early can delay setup. Count cubes before starting.
2. Place the game board and initial pieces: Unfold the board on a flat surface. Each player chooses a color and places their token on the starting space (usually Earth). Shuffle the event deck and place it face down. Shuffle the trade deck and place it next to the board. Check that the movement tracker is set to the correct turn number (typically 1).
3. Distribute starting resources: Each player receives 3 resource cubes of their color and 2 trade cards. Place the remaining resource cubes in a common pool near the board. The youngest player goes first. Common mistake: giving out too many resources. Stick to the starting amount to keep the game balanced.
4. Explain the turn structure: Each turn has three phases: 1) Movement – move your token along the path (planets shift after each full round). 2) Action – perform one action: gather resources, trade with another player, or invest in a space station. 3) Draw – draw one event card and resolve it immediately. Remind players that planets move after every full round, so plan your route ahead.
5. Play the first round: Starting player moves their token up to 3 spaces, then chooses an action (e.g., gather 2 resource cubes from the common pool). Then they draw and resolve an event card. Pass the turn clockwise. Common mistake: forgetting to resolve event cards immediately. Always read and apply the card before the next player starts.
6. Endgame and victory condition: The game ends after 8 full rounds (or when a player builds 3 space stations). The player with the most victory points (from space stations, resource cubes, and trade cards) wins. Count points aloud to avoid disputes. Ties are broken by the player with the most resource cubes remaining. If still tied, the player with the most trade cards wins.

Product overview

• For All Mankind: For All Mankind is a fast-paced game of strategic exploration, clever trades, and diplomatic shenanigans. Learn to play in about 15 minutes. Finish a game in about 60 minutes. This means you can teach new players quickly and still complete a full game in a typical game night session.