How to Play

Compile: Main 1

2-2 players 20-30 min 7.9 Board Game Geek Rating

In Compile, two players control competing AIs racing to understand reality through conceptual analysis. Each player selects three Protocols (like Fire, Water, or Death) to test. Players use cards to advance their own Protocols toward completion while disrupting their opponent's progress. Victory goes to whoever successfully Compiles all three Protocols first, achieving digital enlightenment.

Published 2024

Get Ready

Setup the game with these step-by-step instructions before diving into your turn.

Arrange the draft

Place all protocol cards on the table to form the draft pool

First player drafts

The youngest player takes 1 protocol from the group

Second player drafts

The second player takes 2 protocols from the remaining cards

First player drafts again

The first player takes 2 protocols from what remains

Second player completes draft

The second player takes 1 final protocol; return remaining protocols to the box

Build your deck

Each player takes the 6 command cards for each of their 3 protocols and shuffles them together, forming an 18-card deck

Place protocols on the field

Each player places their protocols "Loading..." side up in the center of the play area, from left to right in draft order, forming three lines defined by opposing protocols

Position deck and trash

Each player places their shuffled deck to the side of the field, designating a space nearby for their trash pile

Draw starting hand

Each player draws 5 cards from their deck

Set control component

Place the control component in a neutral position (skip this for first-time players)

On Your Turn

What you can do during your turn.

Start phase

Perform any "Start" effects on cards on your side of the field

Check Control

If you have higher total value than your opponent in at least 2 lines, gain the control component

Check Compile

If you have 10 or greater value in a line AND your value exceeds your opponent's in that line, you must compile

Recompile benefit

If compiling an already-compiled line, delete cards as normal but draw the top card of your opponent's deck instead of flipping

Action - Play a card

Play 1 card from hand into a line on your side, either face-up or face-down

Action - Refresh

Draw cards from your deck until you have 5 cards in hand; this is mandatory if you have no playable cards

Check Cache

If you have more than 5 cards in hand, discard down to 5

End phase

Perform any "End" effects on cards on your side of the field

Card stacking

Cards played into lines with existing cards "cover" them; keep value and top command visible when covered

Targeting restrictions

Only uncovered cards can be manipulated unless card text specifies "covered cards" or "all cards"

Control component trigger

When compiling or refreshing while holding the control component, return it to neutral and optionally rearrange one player's protocols (position only, cards in lines don't move)