Overview

Louis XIV is a strategy game set in the court of the Sun King at Versailles. Players take on roles as members of the court, seeking to gain influence with various courtiers to complete missions and accumulate prestige. Over four rounds, players deploy influence tokens on a 5x5 grid of courtiers, using majority control to activate courtier abilities and fulfill mission cards for victory points.

Components

• 1 Game board (5x5 grid of 25 courtier tiles)
• Influence markers (in player colours)
• Mission cards
• Coat of arms tiles
• Money tokens
• Special power tokens
• Intrigue cards
• Start player marker

Setup

1. Arrange the 25 courtier tiles in a 5x5 grid.
2. Each player takes their set of influence markers.
3. Shuffle and deal mission cards to each player.
4. Place coat of arms tiles, money, and tokens as supply.
5. Determine start player.

Turn Structure

The game plays over 4 rounds. Each round consists of:

Phase 1: Acquire Influence Cards

Players draft influence cards that determine how many markers they can place.

Phase 2: Place Influence Markers

In turn order, players place influence markers on courtier tiles. Placement follows adjacency rules based on the cards played.

Phase 3: Evaluate Courtiers

For each courtier, the player with the most influence markers on that tile activates the courtier’s ability. Abilities include gaining resources, drawing cards, and collecting coat of arms.

Phase 4: Complete Missions

Players may complete mission cards by spending the required coat of arms tiles and resources. Completed missions score VP.

Actions

Courtier Abilities

Each of the 25 courtiers provides a different benefit when controlled:

• Resource courtiers: Provide money, influence, or special tokens
• Card courtiers: Let you draw or play additional cards
• Coat of arms courtiers: Provide specific coat of arms tiles needed for missions
• Special courtiers: Provide unique one-time abilities

Completing Missions

Each mission card requires specific combinations of coat of arms tiles. Completing a mission scores the VP printed on the card.

Intrigue Cards

Special cards that provide tactical advantages, such as moving influence markers, gaining extra placement, or blocking opponents.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

VP are scored from:

• Completed mission cards (main VP source)
• Remaining coat of arms (1 VP per set of 4 different types)
• Bonus tokens earned during play

After 4 rounds, the player with the most VP wins. Tiebreaker: most remaining money.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Adjacency rule: When placing influence markers, each marker must be placed on a tile adjacent to one you already occupy or the centre tile.
• Tie on a courtier: When multiple players tie for most influence, the tie is broken by the player who placed markers there first.
• Mission variety: Different missions require different combinations, encouraging diverse courtier control.
• 4-round limit: The game has a fixed length, creating pressure to complete missions quickly.

Player Reference

Round Structure:

1. Acquire influence cards
2. Place influence markers (adjacency required)
3. Evaluate courtiers (majority wins)
4. Complete missions (spend coat of arms)

VP Sources: Completed missions (primary) + leftover coat of arms sets + bonus tokens