What Is Doomlings?
Doomlings is a unique and entertaining card game that blends strategy, creativity, and a dash of dark humor. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must work to evolve their species while managing the impending doom that looms over them. It’s an easy-to-learn, quick-to-play game that’s perfect for both casual and strategic gamers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted game to kick off a party or a more strategic game to challenge your friends, Doomlings offers a perfect balance of fun and complexity.
What’s Inside the Doomlings Game Box?
A typical Doomlings game box includes the following:
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Doomlings Cards: These are the core cards used to evolve your species and manage your fate in the game.
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Doom Cards: Cards that introduce new challenges or catastrophes that affect the game.
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Evolution Cards: These help you evolve your species with new traits, giving you an advantage.
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Score Tokens: Used to track your species’ progress throughout the game.
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Rules Booklet: A concise guide to ensure you get started quickly.
How Many Players Can Play Doomlings?
Doomlings is designed for 2-6 players, making it an excellent choice for small groups, family gatherings, or even larger parties. The game scales well in terms of both complexity and playtime, with each round taking around 30 minutes.
Doomlings Game Setup
1. Shuffle the Cards
Begin by shuffling both the Doomlings Cards and Doom Cards separately. Each player should draw a set of starting cards, typically 7 Doomlings Cards to build their initial species.
2. Pick a First Player
The player who most recently had a close call with a doom-like situation (real or fictional) is the first player, or you can choose randomly.
3. Draw Doom Cards
Each player should draw 1 Doom card at the start of the game to know what challenges await. The Doom Cards can affect various aspects of the game, from population sizes to the overall survival of species.
How to Play Doomlings: Basic Rules
1. The Goal of Doomlings
The goal of Doomlings is to create the most evolved species by the end of the game, while managing the constant threat of doom. The game ends when all players have played their Doomlings Cards, and the player with the highest score wins.
2. Taking Turns
Each player’s turn follows this general structure:
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Draw a Card: At the start of each turn, draw a Doomlings Card.
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Play a Card: You can play one Doomlings Card per turn. These cards help you evolve your species, grant traits, or defend against doom.
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Use Evolution Cards: Play your evolution cards to increase your species' chances of survival. Some cards will help protect you from Doom Cards.
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End of Turn: Once you’ve played your card and resolved any immediate effects, pass the turn to the next player.
3. Doom Cards and Their Impact
Doom Cards are played at random throughout the game, creating a sense of urgency and forcing players to react quickly. The Doomlings Cards are your primary tool for evolving, but a clever combination of both types of cards will help you stay ahead of the competition.
Winning Doomlings
Victory in Doomlings is awarded to the player with the highest score when the game ends. The Score Tokens represent your progress and can be influenced by various cards you play during the game. Players earn points based on how evolved their species is and how effectively they’ve adapted to the Doom Cards they encounter.
To be crowned the victor, you need to be both strategic and lucky. Doomlings isn’t just about having the best cards; it’s about how well you play your hand and adapt to changing circumstances.
Top Tips for Winning Doomlings
1. Evolve Early
While you can’t predict the exact challenges Doom Cards will throw at you, building your species early will set you up for success in the later stages of the game. Keep evolving and building on your species' strengths to maximize your points.
2. Use Doom Cards Wisely
Don’t just play your Doom Cards for the sake of playing them. Think strategically about how to use them to hinder your opponents or protect yourself. Timing is everything.
3. Focus on Traits That Matter
Not all Doomlings Cards are equal. Pay attention to which traits complement each other and which traits help you survive specific challenges. Evolving with the right mix of traits will give you the upper hand.
Who Will Love Doomlings?
Doomlings is perfect for:
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Casual Gamers: It’s quick and easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
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Strategy Lovers: There’s a lot of room for creative decision-making and tactical play.
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Party Hosts: Its short rounds and humorous premise make it an excellent choice for game nights or parties.
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Fans of Dark Humor: The post-apocalyptic setting and humor-infused gameplay are ideal for players who enjoy lighthearted, dark-themed fun.
Doomlings vs. Other Party Games
While games like Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens offer humor and chaos, Doomlings stands out for its strategic depth and variety. While you still have the fun of card-playing and humor, you also get the challenge of evolving your species and managing doom, which sets Doomlings apart from typical party games.
Expansion Packs and Custom Rules
Expanding Doomlings
Like many popular card games, Doomlings offers expansion packs that introduce new cards, challenges, and strategies. These expansions keep the game fresh and provide even more variety for replay value.
Custom House Rules
For an added twist, try implementing house rules, such as:
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Doomless Rounds: Skip Doom Cards for a round to give players a break.
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No Evolution: Make things harder by banning Evolution Cards for a round.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Doomlings family-friendly?
Yes! While the theme has a post-apocalyptic twist, Doomlings is suitable for teens and adults alike. Check expansions for any age-specific ratings. -
How long does a game of Doomlings last?
A typical game lasts 30 to 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet fun gaming session. -
Can I play Doomlings with two players?
Yes, Doomlings works well with 2 players. It scales well with different group sizes, making it a versatile game for any gathering. -
Where can I buy Doomlings?
You can purchase Doomlings online through major retailers such as Amazon or at your local game store. - Are you an Amazon Associate, and what does that mean?
Pick Me Up is a part of the Amazon Associate program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on links to various merchants on this blog, this can result in us earning a commission.
Ready to Play Doomlings?
Now that you know how to play Doomlings, it’s time to gather your friends, shuffle the cards, and dive into the fun. Whether you’re competing for the highest score or just enjoying the absurdities of the game, Doomlings promises to deliver laughs and challenge in equal measure. Prepare to evolve and survive—doom is coming!
