5 Essential Steps to Unlocking the Magic of Unstable Unicorns

Unstable Unicorns Board Game

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Unstable Unicorns is only available in English, so make sure you and all players understand English before starting. This game is a card drafting game where each player is a unicorn with a unique ability. The object of the game is to be the first player to collect a set of 7 unique unicorns in your stable.

The game is played over a series of rounds. In each round, players draft cards from a central deck. The cards can be used to attack other players’ unicorns, defend your own unicorns, or draw more cards. Once all of the cards have been drafted, players reveal their hands and resolve the effects of their cards. After all of the effects have been resolved, the player with the most unicorns in their stable wins the game.

Unstable Unicorns is a fun and exciting game for 2-8 players. It is a great game for people who enjoy card drafting games, unicorns, and humor. The game is relatively easy to learn, but it has a lot of depth and strategy. This makes it a great game for both casual and experienced gamers.

Objective of the Game

The ultimate goal in Unstable Unicorns is to assemble a stable of seven unicorns and achieve a score of 10,000 points. Players accomplish this by acquiring unicorn cards, which are assigned different point values based on rarity and abilities. In addition to collecting unicorns, players must also strategically use magic cards, which can grant various advantages or hinder opponents.

At the start of each game, players receive a hand of seven cards and play one card at a time. Available actions for a player’s turn include:

**Play a Unicorn Card:** Place a unicorn card from hand onto his or her stable, which is an area on the playing surface.
**Play a Magic Card:** Some cards possess magical abilities that can be activated once played, allowing players to complete special actions or alter the game state.
**Move a Unicorn:** A player who has several unicorns of the same type within his or her stable can ‘combine’ these cards by flipping them onto one another to form a larger stack, or ‘super unicorn.’ Super unicorns benefit from increased point values and can be used to intimidate opposing players.
**Recruit a Unicorn:** If a unicorn from the draw pile matches the type of a card already in a player’s stable, that player can recruit the matching unicorn from the draw pile to their stable for free.
**Discard a Card:** Players can discard cards that they do not need from their hand to the draw pile. This action can be used to ‘cycle’ through a deck quickly or to discard unwanted cards.
**Draw a Card:** Players draw a card from the draw pile at the end of their turn.

Action	Description
Play a Unicorn Card	Place a unicorn card from your hand onto your stable.
Play a Magic Card	Activate the ability of a magic card in your hand.
Move a Unicorn	Combine two or more unicorns of the same type in your stable to form a super unicorn.
Recruit a Unicorn	Add a unicorn from the draw pile to your stable if it matches the type of a unicorn already in your stable.
Discard a Card	Discard a card from your hand to the draw pile.
Draw a Card	Draw a card from the draw pile at the end of your turn.

Game Setup

Prepare your game for an enchanting unicorn adventure by following these simple steps:

1. Shuffle the Cards

Thoroughly mix the Unicorn Card deck and place it face down in the center of the table. This will serve as the draw pile.

2. Deal Starting Hands

Each player receives 5 Unicorn Cards from the draw pile. These will form their starting hands.

[Detailed Explanation of Starting Hands]

Starting hands are crucial in Unstable Unicorns. Consider the following tips:

Balance Your Herd: Strive to have a mix of Stable and Unstable Unicorns in your hand.
Plan Your Strategy: Determine which Unicorn abilities complement each other and align with your preferred playstyle.
Consider the Stage: The first few rounds typically involve building a stable herd, while later rounds focus on disrupting opponents’ plans.
Don’t Overcommit: While it’s tempting to fill your hand with powerful Unicorns, avoid overextending yourself. Remember, discarding cards is sometimes necessary.

Example Starting Hand	Description
Sparkling Wish Unicorn Abominable Snowman Unicorn Dr. Eel Unicorn Hungry Hungry Unicorn Unicorn of Grandeur	A balanced starting hand with a mix of Stable and Unstable Unicorns, providing options for both offense and defense.
Hungry Hungry Unicorn Angry Unicorn League of Evil Unicorns Rainbow Unicorn Pudding Unicorn	A hand focused on disrupting opponents, with multiple Unstable Unicorns but potentially lacking in stability.

Card Types and Abilities

Unstable Unicorns features a wide range of card types, each with its own unique abilities. These include:

Narwhals

Narwhals are special cards that can only be played when the player has no other cards in their hand. They grant powerful abilities, such as drawing cards or destroying enemy cards, but must be played wisely as they can also be countered by other players.

Baby Unicorns

Baby Unicorns are weak cards that can be played at any time. They have low attack and defense values, but they can provide additional benefits, such as granting bonuses to other cards or protecting against certain abilities.

Magic Cards

Magic Cards are one-time use cards that can have a variety of effects, such as healing, attacking, or altering the game’s rules. They can be used to turn the tide of battle or disrupt the strategies of other players.

Card Type	Abilities
Narwhals	Can only be played when the player has no other cards in hand Grant powerful abilities, such as drawing cards or destroying enemy cards Can be countered by other players
Baby Unicorns	Can be played at any time Have low attack and defense values Can provide additional benefits, such as granting bonuses to other cards or protecting against certain abilities
Magic Cards	One-time use cards Can have a variety of effects, such as healing, attacking, or altering the game’s rules Can be used to turn the tide of battle or disrupt the strategies of other players

Playing the Game

A game of Unstable Unicorns is split into multiple rounds, with each round consisting of several phases

1. Fill Your Stable

Each player begins the game by drawing 5 cards into their hand. They then choose 1 card to add to their stable. Players may only have a maximum of 7 cards in their stable at any time. On your turn, you can play cards from your hand to your stable, or take actions using the abilities of your cards.

2. Play a Card

On your turn, you can play one card from your hand. Cards can be used to add unicorns to your stable, upgrade your unicorns, or perform special actions. Once you have played a card, it is placed face up in front of you and takes effect immediately.

3. Draw a Card

After playing a card, you must draw a new card from the deck.

4. Check for Unicorn Powers

Once you have drawn a card, you must check if your stable meets the requirements for any of your unicorn’s powers. Unicorn powers are special abilities that can be activated when certain conditions are met, such as having a certain number of unicorns of a certain type in your stable or having a certain number of upgrades on a unicorn. If you meet the requirements for a unicorn power, you can activate it by paying the cost listed on the card.

Here are some examples of unicorn powers:

Power	Cost	Effect
Baby Unicorn	1 Magic	Draw 2 cards and discard 1 from your hand
Unicorn of the Abyss	2 Magic	Destroy a target unicorn in your stable
Unicorn of the Nile	3 Magic	Gain 2 Magic for each unicorn in your stable

Special Rules

Do Not Interact

If a player chooses to play this card, they are unable to play any other cards for the current turn. If no one plays a card that can respond to Do Not Interact, then the player who played the card is given a free unicorn from the deck or stable.

Rainbow Mane

Rainbow Mane prevents other players from targeting it with cards unless they are also called Rainbow Mane. There can only be one Rainbow Mane in the entire game, so if a second copy is brought into play, the first one is discarded.

Baby Unicorn

A Baby Unicorn is considered a normal unicorn. However, there can only be one Baby Unicorn in play at a time. If a second one is drawn, it’s added to the player’s hand and cannot be played until the current Baby Unicorn is removed from play.

Immortal Unicorn

Immortal Unicorns are immune to all negative card effects. This includes things like being destroyed, banished, or having their abilities negated. However, if the player with the Immortal Unicorn runs out of cards in their deck and draw pile, they immediately lose the game.

Narwhal

Unlike other unicorns, Narwhals are not affected by any card effects that target unicorns. This makes them immune to cards like “Neigh!” and “Taco Cat,” which can be a real pain for other players.
Here is a table summarizing the special rules for each unicorn type:

Unicorn Type	Special Rule
Do Not Interact	Cannot play any other cards for the current turn
Rainbow Mane	Immune to being targeted by cards unless they are also called Rainbow Mane
Baby Unicorn	Only one Baby Unicorn can be in play at a time
Immortal Unicorn	Immune to all negative card effects
Narwhal	Immune to any card effects that target unicorns

Unstable Powers

Unstable Powers are special abilities unique to each Unicorn card. These powers can range from manipulating the game state to directly attacking opponents’ Unicorns. Understanding and utilizing these powers effectively is crucial for success in the game.

Types of Powers

There are various types of Unstable Powers, including:

Draw cards: Allows you to draw additional cards from the deck.
Discard cards: Forces opponents to discard cards from their hands.
Move cards: Allows you to move cards from one player’s area to another.
Protect cards: Shields your Unicorns from certain attacks or abilities.
Attack opponents: Deals damage to opponents’ Unicorns or influences the game state.

Using Unstable Powers

To use an Unstable Power, you must first pay the indicated cost. Costs usually involve discarding cards or sacrificing Unicorns. Once paid, the power can be activated by following the instructions on the card.

Combining Powers

One of the most exciting aspects of Unstable Unicorns is the ability to combine Unstable Powers. By playing multiple cards with synergistic powers, you can create devastating combos that can quickly turn the tide of the game in your favor.

Advanced Strategy: Chaining Powers

Chaining powers is a highly effective strategy in Unstable Unicorns. By carefully planning your actions, you can chain multiple Unstable Powers together to create powerful effects. For instance, you could use a card to draw a card, then immediately play that newly drawn card to discard an opponent’s card.

The following table provides examples of how to chain powers effectively:

Card	Unstable Power	Chaining Possibilities
Zombie Unicorn	Draw a card	– Play the drawn card to discard an opponent’s card. – Play the drawn card to move an opponent’s Unicorn.
Magical Unicorn	Return a Unicorn to its owner’s hand	– Use it on an opponent’s Unicorn, then draw a card to play again. – Return your own Unicorn to your hand to prevent an attack.

Game Phases

Object of the Game

The goal of Unstable Unicorns is to be the first player to collect seven unique unicorn cards.

Setup

Shuffle the deck and deal 3 cards to each player.
Place the remaining deck in the center of the table.
Draw 5 cards from the deck to create the Stable.

Gameplay

Players take turns drawing cards from the deck or the Stable and playing unicorn cards. The game consists of 3 phases:

Draw Phase: Draw a card from either the deck or the Stable.
Play Phase: Play a unicorn card from your hand.
Discard Phase: If you have more than 7 cards in your hand, discard cards down to 7.

Unicorn Abilities

Each unicorn card has a unique ability that can affect gameplay. These abilities include:

Spawning baby unicorns
Stealing unicorns from other players
Destroying other players’ unicorns
Preventing other players from playing cards

Victory

The first player to collect 7 unique unicorn cards wins the game. If a player loses all of their unicorns, they are eliminated from the game.

Winning the Game

To win Unstable Unicorns, you must be the first player to collect seven unique unicorn cards. You can do this by purchasing them from the market, stealing them from other players, or playing cards that allow you to acquire them. Once you have collected seven unique unicorns, you can reveal them to the other players and claim victory.

Methods to Acquire Unicorns

There are several ways to acquire unicorns in Unstable Unicorns:

Buying from the Market: You can purchase unicorns from the market for one magic card.
Stealing from Others: You can play cards that allow you to steal unicorns from other players.
Playing Acquisition Cards: You can play cards like “Rainbow Transfer” or “Unstable Market” to acquire unicorns.
Special Effects: Some unicorns have special effects that allow you to acquire other unicorns, such as the “Clone” unicorn.

Dealing With Neigh Cards

Neigh cards are special cards that prevent other players from purchasing unicorns from the market. If you play a Neigh card, it blocks the next unicorn from being purchased. However, there are cards that can counter Neigh cards, such as the “Dele-Neigh-Tify” card.

Resolving Ties

If two or more players collect seven unique unicorns at the same time, it is considered a tie. In this case, all tied players win the game.

Once a player has won the game, the game is over and all players reveal their hands.

Tips and Tricks

Set Clear Objectives Early On:

Determine whether you aim to eliminate opponents or acquire specific cards. Focusing on a specific goal helps guide your strategy.

Prioritize Upgrades:

Upgrades, such as “Stable” and “Friendship,” significantly enhance your unicorns’ abilities. Prioritize acquiring these upgrades to gain an advantage.

Balance Your Deck:

Maintain a balance between attacking and defensive cards. Too many attack cards leave you vulnerable to retaliation, while too many defensive cards limit your offensive capabilities.

Use Instant Cards Wisely:

Instant cards can drastically alter the course of the game. Use them strategically to disrupt opponents, protect your unicorns, or gain sudden advantages.

Negotiate and Trade:

Negotiation and trading can be crucial for acquiring specific cards or eliminating threats. Offer fair deals and be willing to compromise to secure advantageous trades.

Predict Opponent Strategy:

Observe the cards your opponents play and their overall gameplay patterns. By anticipating their next moves, you can counter them effectively.

Control the Banish Pile:

The Banish Pile represents valuable unicorns that can be returned to play. Keep track of which unicorns are banished and plan accordingly to maximize their potential impact.

Utilize the Stable:

The Stable protects your unicorns from being attacked or eliminated. Use it strategically to safeguard your most valuable assets and gain an edge over your opponents.

Strategy for 9-Player Games:

In 9-player games, chaos and unpredictability reign. Focus on building a versatile deck with a balance of attack, defense, and utility cards. Prioritize negotiation and form alliances to increase your chances of survival and victory.

Card Type	Potential Impact
Attack	Eliminate opponents’ unicorns
Defense	Protect your unicorns from elimination
Upgrade	Enhance unicorn abilities
Instant	Interrupt or alter gameplay
Utility	Provide special effects or advantages

Variants and Expansions

Rainbow Apocalypse

Rainbow Apocalypse is a variant of Unstable Unicorns that is played with two decks of the base game and two exclusive expansion decks. The game introduces new cards and rules, such as the ability to steal other players’ unicorns and the ability to create rainbow apocalypse clouds.

Zombie Unicorns

Zombie Unicorns is a variant of Unstable Unicorns that is played with the base game and the Zombie Unicorns expansion deck. The game introduces new cards and rules that focus on the zombie apocalypse. Players can collect brains, build barricades, and sacrifice their unicorns to protect their herds from the zombies.

Narwhalicornia

Narwhalicornia is a variant of Unstable Unicorns that is played with the base game and the Narwhalicornia expansion deck. The game introduces new cards and rules that focus on the magical world of narwhals. Players can collect narwhal tusks, build coral reefs, and ride on narwhals to defeat their opponents.

Unstable Foals

Unstable Foals is a variant of Unstable Unicorns that is played with the base game and the Unstable Foals expansion deck. The game introduces new cards and rules that focus on the baby unicorns. Players can collect foals, build foaling stables, and even send foals to the adoption center.

Unstable Unicorns 2: Near & Dear

Unstable Unicorns 2: Near & Dear is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Heart Unicorn, the Star Unicorn, and the Moon Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Near & Dear” mechanic, which allows players to perform special actions if they have a specific type of unicorn in their stable.

Unstable Unicorns: Legends

Unstable Unicorns: Legends is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Phoenix Unicorn, the Dragon Unicorn, and the Kraken Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Legend” mechanic, which allows players to collect powerful cards that can be used to win the game.

Unstable Unicorns: Apocalypse Edition

Unstable Unicorns: Apocalypse Edition is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Radioactive Unicorn, the Zombie Unicorn, and the Plague Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Apocalypse” mechanic, which allows players to trigger devastating events that can affect all players.

Unstable Unicorns: Unicorns of Legend

Unstable Unicorns: Unicorns of Legend is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Loch Ness Monster Unicorn, the Bigfoot Unicorn, and the Yeti Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Legend” mechanic, which allows players to collect powerful cards that can be used to win the game.

Unstable Unicorns: Control & Chaos

Unstable Unicorns: Control & Chaos is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Control Unicorn and the Chaos Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Control” mechanic, which allows players to manipulate the game state, and the “Chaos” mechanic, which allows players to trigger random events that can affect all players.

Unstable Unicorns: Reinforcements

Unstable Unicorns: Reinforcements is a standalone expansion that introduces new cards, rules, and mechanics to the Unstable Unicorns universe. The game features new unicorns, such as the Reinforcement Unicorn and the Ally Unicorn. It also introduces new mechanics, such as the “Reinforcements” mechanic, which allows players to call upon allies to help them win the game.

Unstable Unicorns: How to Play

Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game for 2-8 players, ages 14 and up. The goal of the game is to be the first player to collect seven unicorn cards. Players do this by drafting cards from a central deck, playing cards from their hands, and using special abilities to sabotage their opponents.

The game play is simple but challenging. Players must carefully choose which cards to draft and play in order to maximize their chances of winning. The game is also full of humor and surprises, which makes it a lot of fun to play.