Pioneers and Saboteurs
2025
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Players
2-5
Weight
N/A
Playtime
120 min
Age
12+
⚙️ Game Mechanics
How this game works - core systems and player actions
🏢 Publishers
📖 About This Game
Pioneers & Saboteurs is an independent narrative module designed to be played alongside route-building board games such as Ticket to Ride. It introduces asymmetric roles, a reputation system, and a new turn structure to enhance player interaction and strategic variety.
Key Features:
At the start of the game, each player receives a unique character card featuring a secret background and specific scoring objectives. Some characters embody cooperative pioneers who benefit from helping others, while others take on the role of saboteurs who excel in misdirection and disruption.
Each turn, instead of taking an immediate action, players draw a Turn Card containing a one-time event and two optional reputation actions—one supportive (Pioneer) and one disruptive (Saboteur). Choosing an action grants a reputation point along that path and ends the turn; skipping it allows normal play. Reputation bonuses accumulate over time, significantly altering player abilities:
Pioneers may draw additional cards, build extra routes, or earn bonus points.
Saboteurs can hide tickets, block opponents, or even cross existing routes.
Players earn extra points by reaching reputation milestones (+10 or -10), fulfilling secret role-based goals, or leveraging reputation bonuses strategically.
This module includes:
- Five asymmetric character roles with personal objectives
- A dual-path reputation system (positive and negative)
- Thirty-two Turn Cards providing tactical choices each round
- Additional scoring conditions tied to player behavior
Pioneers & Saboteurs maintains the core mechanics of route building while adding bluffing, negotiation, timing, and indirect conflict—ideal for experienced players seeking a more dynamic and social gaming experience.
This module is not affiliated with, authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by the publishers or trademark holders of Ticket to Ride. A compatible base game is required to play.