Have you ever dreamed of stomping through a bustling metropolis as a towering monster, clawing your way to ultimate supremacy? Welcome to King of Tokyo, where mutant monsters, robotic titans, and extraterrestrial behemoths battle for dominance in a game that’s equal parts chaos and strategy.
Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about King of Tokyo, from its thrilling mechanics to drinking game twist that’ll make your board game night unforgettable fun.
Table of Contents
What is King of Tokyo?
A Monster Battle Like No Other
King of Tokyo is a monster-movie-inspired board game where players become one of six monstrous characters, each vying to conquer Tokyo. Designed by Richard Garfield, the mastermind behind Magic: The Gathering, King of Tokyo has been a fan-favorite since its release in 2011.
The game combines dice-rolling mechanics with card-based abilities, offering endless ways to outwit, outlast, and outplay your opponents. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and perfect for both casual game nights and competitive showdowns.
Game Components and Setup
The game comes packed with:
- 6 Monster Boards: Tracks health and victory points.
- Custom Dice: Roll for damage, healing, energy, or points.
- Energy Cubes: The game’s currency for buying power cards.
- Power Cards: Add quirky abilities to your monster.
- Tokyo Board: Marks who controls Tokyo.
- Tokens: Including Smoke, Mimic, Shrink and Poison
To start, each player picks a monster, sets health to 10, and victory points to 0. Place the Tokyo board in the center, and you’re ready to unleash havoc!
How to Play King of Tokyo
Step-by-Step Gameplay Guide
- Roll Dice: Players roll six custom dice up to three times, locking in results each turn.
- Resolve Dice: Results can deal damage, heal, earn energy cubes, or rack up points.
- Enter Tokyo: Monsters fight to take and maintain control of Tokyo, earning extra points but becoming a target for all other players.
- Purchase Power Cards: Spend energy cubes on abilities like “Extra Head” (for rolling more dice) or “Spiked Tail” (for bonus damage).
Scoring and Winning Conditions
Victory is achieved in one of two ways:
- Reach 20 Victory Points: Earned by staying in Tokyo or rolling specific dice combinations.
- Be the Last Monster Standing: Outlast your opponents by reducing their health to zero.
Reviews and Community Opinions
Why Gamers Love King of Tokyo: Fans adore its accessibility, quick setup, and chaotic fun. It’s a game that bridges the gap between family-friendly entertainment and strategic depth, making it a staple for any collection.
Critiques and Challenges: Some players note that luck plays a significant role, and player elimination can leave individuals sidelined in larger groups. Despite this, its replayability keeps players coming back for more.
King of Tokyo Popular Expansions
Halloween Expansion
This spooky expansion introduces two new monsters, Pumpkin Jack and Boogey Woogey, alongside themed Evolution cards and costume cards that add a fun twist to gameplay. Perfect for Halloween nights or fans of quirky, seasonal content.
Cthulhu Monster Pack
Summon the eldritch horror with Cthulhu as a playable monster! This pack includes Madness tokens and Evolution cards, bringing a dark and strategic edge to your battles.
King Kong Monster Pack
Unleash King Kong in Tokyo or New York! This pack includes Evolution cards and a unique Empire State Building mechanic for added thematic flair.
Baby Gigazaur
Adorable yet deadly, Baby Gigazaur comes with Evolution cards to wreak havoc while melting hearts. A fun addition for collectors and younger players alike.
King of Tokyo vs. King of New York
While King of Tokyo focuses on accessible fun, King of New York introduces added complexity with buildings to destroy and military forces to battle.
King of Tokyo
- Overview: King of Tokyo is a fast-paced game where players control monstrous creatures competing for dominance over Tokyo. The game combines dice-rolling mechanics with power card purchases, making it accessible for families and casual gamers.
- Gameplay: Players roll dice to attack, heal, gain energy cubes, or earn victory points. The goal is to reach 20 points or be the last monster standing.
- Key Features: Simple rules, high replayability, and family-friendly fun. Its focus is on quick, chaotic battles, ideal for lighthearted game nights.
King of New York
- Overview: King of New York builds on the foundation of King of Tokyo, adding depth and new gameplay elements. Players still compete as monsters but now face the added challenge of military resistance and city destruction.
- Gameplay: In addition to rolling dice, players destroy buildings to earn points and gain bonuses. Beware of military units that retaliate, introducing an extra layer of strategy. Players can also attract the spotlight and become a “Superstar,” earning points with fame.
- Key Features: Tactical depth, new mechanics like building destruction, and military resistance make it ideal for experienced players seeking a strategic twist.
Which One is Right for You?
- Choose King of Tokyo if you prefer fast-paced, straightforward gameplay with quick setup and light strategy.
- Choose King of New York if you’re looking for a more strategic challenge with additional mechanics like military interactions and fame management.
Both games offer engaging experiences, so whether you’re stomping through Tokyo or battling in New York, fun and chaos are guaranteed!
King of Tokyo Drinking Game
Ready to add a fun (and slightly chaotic) twist to your game night? The King of Tokyo Drinking Game turns this monster-battle board game into the ultimate party activity. Whether you’re a veteran stomping through Tokyo or a newbie learning the ropes, this variation adds a splash of unpredictability—and beverages!
Monster Mayhem with a Twist
The drinking version of King of Tokyo follows the same gameplay rules but introduces specific drinking board game prompts based on dice rolls, attacks, and power cards. Make sure everyone agrees on the rules (and their drink of choice) before you start. And remember: drink responsibly!
Drinking Game Rules
Here’s a list of optional drinking triggers to spice up your game:
General Gameplay Prompts
- Entering Tokyo: Take a sip as you officially become the King of Tokyo (it’s a toast to your reign!).
- Leaving Tokyo: If you retreat from Tokyo after being attacked, take two sips to “heal your pride.”
- Rolling Three of a Kind: Everyone but the roller takes a sip to acknowledge their lucky streak.
Attack-Related Prompts
- Taking Damage: For every 2 damage you take, drink once. If you’re eliminated, finish your drink (or just take a big sip if finishing feels excessive!).
- Dealing 3 or More Damage in One Turn: Choose another player to drink—because monsters love showing off!
Energy and Cards
- Buying a Power Card: The person who buys a card chooses someone else to drink.
- Using a Card Effect: If a card directly impacts another player, they take a sip.
Optional House Rules
Feel free to tweak the rules to fit your group’s vibe. Here are some bonus ideas:
- Monster Toast: Before the game begins, everyone raises a glass and makes their best monster roar!
- Roll of Shame: If someone rolls completely useless dice (e.g., no points, no attacks, no energy), they take a penalty sip.
Why It’s a Blast
The King of Tokyo Drinking Game elevates the fun by adding stakes to every roll and decision. As monsters battle for dominance, players juggle strategic moves with hilarious drinking prompts, making it a perfect addition to parties or casual gatherings.
Important Note: Always drink responsibly, ensure players are of legal drinking age, and prioritize having fun without overindulging. Your reign as the King of Tokyo should end with a triumphant roar—not a regrettable stumble!
Playing King of Tokyo Online
Platforms to Play On
Experience the thrill of King of Tokyo on Board Game Arena, a browser-based platform that supports multiplayer gameplay. It’s free to play, making it a convenient option for friends across the globe.
Multiplayer Experience Online
Online play replicates the fast-paced energy of the tabletop version while offering matchmaking with players worldwide. It’s a fantastic way to hone your skills or introduce new friends to the game.
Strategies to Dominate King of Tokyo
Dice Rolling Tips
- Roll for hearts to heal if you’re low on health.
- Prioritize energy cubes early to buy power cards.
- Focus on damage rolls when you’re controlling Tokyo.
Advanced Strategies for Experts
- Timing is Key: Retreat from Tokyo strategically to heal and regroup.
- Card Combos: Pair abilities like “Poison Spit” with extra attack dice to maximize damage.
King of Tokyo blends the excitement of monster movies with the thrill of board gaming, creating a unique experience that’s both accessible and endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re crushing your foes as the King of Tokyo or strategizing with expansions, this game promises hours of monstrous fun.