Game Objective: Conquer the Galaxy in Forbidden Stars!

Prepare for an epic battle for control of the galaxy in Forbidden Stars! In this game of strategy and territorial control, you and your friends will take command of one of four iconic Warhammer 40,000 factions, each with its own units, structures, and tactics. The main objective is simple yet challenging: conquer the objectives designated for your faction before your opponents do the same. Victory will be yours if you are the first to achieve your objectives, demonstrating your military and strategic supremacy over the other empires!

Setup: Assembling Your Stellar Empire

Let's set up the table and prepare the battlefield for glory! Follow these steps to set up your game of Forbidden Stars:

1. Game Board: Use the 9 Sector Tiles to assemble the game board. Remember that there are 12 double-sided System Tiles that you can use to vary the map in future games!
2. Faction Components: Each player chooses one of the four Warhammer factions. Take all of your faction's components, which are identified by their distinct colors and symbols. This includes:
   • Your Faction Sheet.
   • 1 Order Token of your color.
   • 1 Score Marker of your color.
   • 6 Objective Tokens of your color.
   • 28 Combat Cards of your faction.
   • 9 Structure Control Tokens of your color.
   • 8 Event Cards of your faction.
   • 8 Order Tokens of your color.
   • 5 Upgrade Cards of your faction.
   • 1 Reference Card of your faction.
   • 1 Materiel Dial of your faction.
   • Plastic units of your faction (Space Marines, Eldar, Orks, or Chaos Space Marines) and the corresponding plastic bases.
   • Plastic structures (Factories, Cities, and Fortresses) of your faction.
3. Assembling the Materiel Dials: Before starting, carefully assemble the four Materiel Dials according to the manual's instructions.
4. Assembling the Ships: Attach the plastic bases to each Ship of your faction.
5. First Player Token: Randomly determine who will be the First Player and give them the First Player Token.
6. Round Track: Place the Round Track and the Round Marker next to the board.
7. Attribute Tokens: Keep the 36 Attribute Tokens (12 of each type) in a general pile, accessible to everyone.
8. Custom Dice: Keep the 16 Custom Dice handy, as they will be used in combat.
9. Warp Storm Tokens: Keep the 4 Warp Storm Tokens ready for use.
10. Other Tokens: Keep the remaining phase tokens (Production, Battle, Resupply, Victory, End Game, Start Game, Planning, Order, Action) and the Event Token near the board, to indicate the current phase of the game.

The Game Turn: Commanding Your Forces

A turn in Forbidden Stars is a sequence of phases that repeat until a player reaches the victory condition. The phases are:

1. Start Game Phase: This phase begins the round.
2. Planning Phase: In this crucial phase, players plan their actions. You will use your Order Tokens to secretly determine what your forces will do. The order in which you place these tokens is super important!
3. Order Phase: Players reveal and resolve their Order Tokens in a specific sequence, activating sectors and performing actions such as:
   • Move Units: Move your troops and ships to new sectors.
   • Build Structures: Erect Factories, Cities, and Fortresses to strengthen your presence.
   • Produce Units: Create new units to reinforce your army.
   • Activate Sectors: Perform special actions in the sectors you control.
4. Action Phase: This is where the rubber meets the road! The actions planned in the Order Phase are executed, and this is where conflicts and direct interactions happen.
5. Battle Phase: If your units enter a sector occupied by an enemy, battle is inevitable! The Custom Dice and your Combat Cards will be your best friends (or worst enemies) here.
6. Resupply Phase: After battles, it's time to resupply and prepare for the next round.
7. Production Phase: In this phase, you gather resources and can produce more units and structures.
8. Victory Phase: Check if any player has achieved their Objectives to win the game.
9. End Game Phase: If no one has won, the Round Marker advances and a new round begins.

End Game and Scoring: Who Dominates the Galaxy?

The game ends immediately when a player manages to control all of their Objective Tokens. There is no complex point counting at the end; the first to fulfill their faction objectives is the undisputed winner!

Tips for Winning: Strategies for Success!

To dominate the universe of Forbidden Stars, here are some essential tips:

1. Planning is Everything: The Planning Phase is the heart of the game. Think ahead, anticipate your opponents' moves, and use your Order Tokens strategically to maximize your actions and surprise your enemies.
2. Know Your Faction: Each faction has its peculiarities and strengths. Understand your Combat Cards, Upgrade Cards, and the unique abilities of your units well to make the most of them.
3. Control Key Sectors: Keep an eye on the sectors that contain your Objective Tokens and those of your opponents. Defending yours and attacking theirs is fundamental for victory.