Rolling Realms is a clever and simple roll-and-write game for 1 to 6 players. Since there’s no player interaction, it can also be played with any number of players using multiple copies. In this game, two dice are rolled every turn, and players use the values to mark their realm cards, gaining benefits and scoring points.

Rolling Realms Redux is a new edition of the game that includes 12 new realms and serves as a big box to hold all the content released for the game to date.

Gameplay

The game is played over three rounds, with each round consisting of 9 turns and featuring three unique realms. Players aim to score as many stars as possible from the three realms available in each round before it ends. Each realm has its own set of rules and rewards stars differently. While these rules are summarized on the realm cards, we often referred to the rulebook for clarity during our first play of a new realm. After that, the rule reminders on the cards were sufficient.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the game is collecting resources and using them for various effects. There are only 18 dice rolls in each round, but resources allow players to copy die values, gain new values, or even mark two numbers on the same realm in a single turn. Managing resources introduces a push-your-luck element: players can wait for better rolls before spending resources, but waiting too long might lead to missed opportunities. It’s always best to use resources to maximize the number of stars, as each leftover resource is worth only one-tenth of a star.

In addition to the 69 official realms (11 in the original Rolling Realms, 12 in Redux, and 46 promos), there are numerous fan-made realms, giving the game excellent replayability.

As mentioned earlier, there’s no player interaction in this game. This means there’s no limit to the number of players, as long as everyone has the realm cards. In theory, an infinite number of people can play simultaneously, even remotely. Jamey Stegmaier has been hosting live plays of this game for a long time. That said, the lack of interaction could be a downside for players who value player interaction in games. It’s important to manage expectations before purchasing this game.

Component Quality

The realm cards are high quality, erase easily, and should hold up well after repeated use. One potential improvement to the components would be adding erasers to the marker caps (similar to those in Railroad Ink) instead of including a separate cloth for erasing.

The Redux box is a great addition to the series, providing a way to organize all the scattered content for those who collect it. It includes dividers and ample space to store all released realms and also comes with a travel tuckbox for packing the essentials, making it easy to take the game on the go—an excellent feature.

Final Thoughts

Rolling Realms is a fun roll-and-write game with numerous unique realms, each featuring its own rules. The variety of both official and fan-made realm cards ensures the game stays fresh for a long time. However, the lack of player interaction is a double-edged sword. While it allows for simultaneous play with an unlimited number of players (as long as everyone has the realm cards), it may disappoint those who enjoy player interaction in games.

Disclosure: We received a review copy of this game.