How to Play Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends

2Tomatoes Games · Board game · 2024
1–4 Solo 45–90 min Weight 3.5/5
— rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG

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Step by step

Objective of the Game

In Through Ice and Snow: Myths & Legends, players take on the roles of explorers navigating the treacherous Arctic in search of the Northwest Passage. The game combines survival, resource management, and strategic decision-making as players face harsh weather, dwindling supplies, and mythical creatures from Inuit folklore. The primary objective is to survive the journey, complete the expedition, and achieve the highest Prestige Points by the end of the game. Players must balance their resources, manage their crew, and adapt to the challenges of the Arctic environment.

Preparation (Setup)

To set up the game, follow these steps:

  • Place the Map board sections on the table, replacing the base game sections if using the Walking on Ice module.
  • Shuffle the On Foot Event cards and place them face down if the expedition abandons their ships.
  • Place the Ship Upgrade tiles next to the base game Upgrade tiles.
  • Each player receives an Individual Sled board, Player cylinders, and other components based on the module being played.
  • If using the Inuit Myths module, shuffle the Inuit Creature cards and place them face down.

Consult the manual for detailed setup instructions for each module.

Flow of the Game

The game progresses through several phases:

  1. Crossing Phase: Similar to the Sailing Phase in the base game, players choose routes and manage resources. If ships are abandoned, players transition to sleds and use On Foot Event cards.
  2. Actions Phase: Players perform actions such as upgrading their sleds, consulting the Inuit, or treating illnesses.
  3. Embarking Phase: Players feed their crew and manage morale and health levels.

If using the Inuit Myths module, players may encounter Inuit creatures during the Setting Up the Cards stage.

Actions and How to Play

Players can perform various actions during the game:

  • Abandon Ships: Players can voluntarily or mandatorily abandon their ships if their Fuel levels are too low. They then transition to sleds and use On Foot Event cards.
  • Sled Maintenance: Players can increase their Maintenance level by assigning Crew Members to this action.
  • Revisit the Inuit: Players can trade with Inuit tribes to obtain resources like Timber and Dogs.
  • Purify Tin: Players can discard Food Tins to increase their Food level and receive Dynamite.

Consult the manual for detailed descriptions of each action.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends when the expedition completes the Northwest Passage or fails to survive. Players calculate their final score based on:

  • Prestige Points: Earned through actions, discoveries, and completing objectives.
  • Guilt Level: Players lose points based on their Guilt level and the final Anchor Point.

If ships were abandoned, players multiply their Guilt level by the factor indicated on the final Anchor Point and subtract it from their total score.

Tips for Winning

Here are some tips to improve your chances of success:

  • Manage Resources Carefully: Keep an eye on your Food, Fuel, and Maintenance levels to avoid running out of essential supplies.
  • Plan Your Route: Choose routes that minimize resource loss and maximize your chances of survival.
  • Use Inuit Knowledge: Consult the Inuit to gain valuable resources and treatments for illnesses.

Consult the manual for more strategic insights.

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Prefer the Official PDF? Download the official Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends rulebook or browse it online with our AI rules assistant.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the rules

5 questions
What is the objective of Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends?
In Through Ice and Snow: Myths & Legends, players take on the roles of explorers navigating the treacherous Arctic in search of the Northwest Passage. The game combines survival, resource management, and strategic decision-making as players face harsh weather, dwindling supplies, and mythical creatures from Inuit folklore. The primary objective is to survive the journey, complete the expedition, and achieve the highest Prestige Points by the end of the game. Players must balance their…
How do you set up Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends?
To set up the game, follow these steps: Place the Map board sections on the table, replacing the base game sections if using the Walking on Ice module. Shuffle the On Foot Event cards and place them face down if the expedition abandons their ships. Place the Ship Upgrade tiles next to the base game Upgrade tiles. Each player receives an Individual Sled board, Player cylinders, and other components based on the module being played. If using the Inuit Myths module, shuffle the Inuit Creature…
How do you play Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends?
Players can perform various actions during the game: Abandon Ships: Players can voluntarily or mandatorily abandon their ships if their Fuel levels are too low. They then transition to sleds and use On Foot Event cards. Sled Maintenance: Players can increase their Maintenance level by assigning Crew Members to this action. Revisit the Inuit: Players can trade with Inuit tribes to obtain resources like Timber and Dogs. Purify Tin: Players can discard Food Tins to increase their Food level and…
How does Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends end, and how do you score?
The game ends when the expedition completes the Northwest Passage or fails to survive. Players calculate their final score based on: Prestige Points: Earned through actions, discoveries, and completing objectives. Guilt Level: Players lose points based on their Guilt level and the final Anchor Point. If ships were abandoned, players multiply their Guilt level by the factor indicated on the final Anchor Point and subtract it from their total score.
What are some tips for winning Through Ice & Snow: Myths & Legends?
Here are some tips to improve your chances of success: Manage Resources Carefully: Keep an eye on your Food, Fuel, and Maintenance levels to avoid running out of essential supplies. Plan Your Route: Choose routes that minimize resource loss and maximize your chances of survival. Use Inuit Knowledge: Consult the Inuit to gain valuable resources and treatments for illnesses. Consult the manual for more strategic insights.
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