How to Play Suburbia Expansions (Second Edition)
1. Objective of the Game
In Suburbia Expansions, players compete to build the most prosperous borough by strategically placing tiles that increase Population, Income, and Reputation. The game ends when a specific number of tiles are depleted (varies by player count), and the player with the highest Population wins.
2. Preparation (Setup)
Building Tile Setup: When adding expansion tiles, remove an equal number of base game tiles of the same letter (A, B, or C) before shuffling each stack.
Expansion Goals Setup: Shuffle expansion Goal Tiles with the base game goals, then deal two to each player.
Border Tiles: Shuffle expansion Border Tiles facedown and place three faceup near the stack.
Bonus/Challenge Tiles: Shuffle expansion Bonus and Challenge Tiles, then place one faceup on the B stack (Bonus) and one on the C stack (Challenge).
5th Player Setup: Use the 5-player side of the Market board and add extra copies of Heavy Factory, Community Park, and Suburbs tiles.
Star Track (5 Star Expansion): Place the Star Track faceup, shuffle player stars, and place them on the first space to determine turn order.
3. Game Flow
Players take turns in order, performing one action per turn:
- Buy a Tile: Purchase a faceup tile from the Real Estate Market or a Border Tile, paying its cost.
- Place a Tile: Add the tile to your borough, resolving its effects in Tile Effect Resolution Order.
- Discard a Tile: At the end of your turn, discard a tile from the market and pay the cost above it.
Star Track (5 Star Expansion): After each round, adjust Population based on star positions and update turn order.
4. Actions and How to Play
Border Tiles
During your first action, you may take a Border Tile instead of a regular tile. Pay its cost, place it adjacent to a building (not another border), and resolve effects. Borders are not part of the four main tile categories.
Bonus and Challenge Tiles
When the first tile from the B stack is drawn, check the Bonus Tile. Players meeting its requirement gain Income. Repeat for the C stack and Challenge Tile (grants Reputation).
Star Tiles (5 Star Expansion)
Star Tiles move your token on the Star Track. Gold Stars indicate spaces to advance. Landing on +1 Income or Reputation grants a one-time bonus.
Special Tiles
- Redevelopment Planner: A placeholder tile that can later be replaced with any faceup tile for free.
- Lake Border Tiles: Treat as Lake Tiles but cannot border other borders.
- Investment Markers: Pay a tile’s cost again to double its effects (can be used on borders).
5. End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when the tile supply is depleted (varies by player count). Players tally:
- Population (primary victory condition).
- Goal Tiles (public and private).
- Tiebreaker: Position on the Star Track (if using 5 Star).
6. Tips for Winning
- Balance Income and Reputation: Avoid crossing red lines on the scoreboard too early.
- Plan for Bonuses/Challenges: Anticipate mid-game boosts by meeting their criteria.
- Star Tiles (5 Star): Prioritize tiles with Gold Stars to gain turn order and track bonuses.