How to Play

Destinies

1-3 players 90-150 min 7.7 Board Game Geek Rating

Players compete as heroes pursuing unique destinies in a dark medieval fantasy world. This app-integrated adventure game combines board exploration with story-driven RPG elements. Players discover map tiles, visit locations, and make meaningful choices that permanently alter the game world, racing to complete branching quest paths toward victory.

Published 2021

Destinies

Get Ready

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

1
Download the companion app
Install the free Destinies app from Apple App Store, Google Play, or Steam on a device with a camera
2
Open the app and select a scenario
Choose from 5 available scenarios; "Das Monster in Dir" is recommended for first-time players
3
Read the introduction aloud
One player reads the scenario introduction for all players to hear
4
Choose your character
Each player selects one of the available characters shown in the app; if players cannot agree, assign randomly
5
Take your player tableau
Each player receives 1 player tableau with three skill tracks (Intelligence, Dexterity, Strength), supply area, and inventory space for 5 item cards
6
Collect your dice
Take 2 main dice and 3 effort dice per player
7
Place success markers
Position success markers on your skill tracks as indicated by the app for your character
8
Receive your destiny card
Take the destiny card and miniature figure for your chosen character
9
Build the game world
Set up map tiles as directed by the app
10
Sort the components
Organize map tiles (67) and item cards (150) in ascending numerical order for quick access during play

On Your Turn

What you can do during your turn.

1
Pass the device
The app device is passed around in turn order; the active player reads all app content aloud for everyone
2
Recover one effort die
At the start of your turn, move 1 exhausted effort die from beside your tableau into your supply
3
Trigger events
Most game events occur at the start of your turn as indicated by the app
4
Move your figure
Choose a tile up to 2 spaces away horizontally or vertically (not diagonal) from your current position
5
Explore unexplored tiles
If you move onto an unexplored tile, tap it in the app and follow instructions
6
Visit a scanpoint
If on an explored tile, tap a scanpoint in the app to visit it
7
Encounter
Perform an automatic action with no dice roll required; outcomes may vary and open new choices
8
Test a skill
Attempt a challenging action with uncertain outcome
9
Scan an item
Use item cards from your inventory when the option appears
10
Scan your destiny card
When speaking with NPCs, scan your destiny card's QR code to ask about your destiny
11
Trade
Buy and sell items at certain scanpoints
12
Roll main dice
Always roll both main dice for every test; they cannot be exhausted
13
Add effort dice
Optionally add any number of your available effort dice to a test
14
Calculate your roll result
Sum all dice faces showing numbers
15
Count successes
Compare your total roll to the skill track being tested
16
Enter successes in the app
Input your total success count to see the outcome
17
Understand difficulty levels
Use this guide for effort die decisions:
18
Retry tests later
Some tests can be attempted again later with potentially different or better outcomes
19
Gain experience points
Receive experience markers from various encounters
20
Spend experience
Use experience points anytime during your turn except during tests
21
Expand skills
When directed, move success markers to the left on specified tracks
22
Lose skills
When directed, move success markers to the right on specified tracks
23
Item card elements
Each card shows name, coin value, item type, illustration, QR code, ability type, ability description, and card number
24
Permanent abilities
Use these abilities anytime while the card is in your inventory
25
One-time abilities
Discard the card to the box after using this ability
26
Inventory limit
Your inventory holds maximum 5 item cards
27
Drop items
Place dropped items beside the board with a trade marker pair
28
Use item abilities freely
Activate item abilities at any time during your turn in any order
29
Track virtue secretly
The app calculates your virtue based on your decisions
30
Choose good or evil
Your moral choices affect NPC behavior and available options
31
Benefit from consistency
Following one moral path more consistently provides greater benefits

Winning

How to claim victory.

1
Understand your destiny
Your destiny card shows two completely different paths to victory; you may pursue either or both during the game
2
Track your progress
The app notifies you when you advance on either destiny path
3
Switch paths freely
Change between paths at any time during normal gameplay
4
Meet the prerequisites
Complete the tasks shown on your destiny card to unlock the finale
5
Go to the finale location
Travel to the scanpoint indicated on your destiny card when ready
6
Start your finale
A unique finale option appears only for you at the designated scanpoint
7
Complete the finale sequence
The finale consists of multiple consecutive events with tests and special encounters
8
Fulfill your destiny
Successfully complete the finale sequence to win the game
9
Win by being first
The first player to fulfill their destiny wins, even if others have started their finale
10
Never be locked out
No matter what opponents do or take, you can always complete your destiny through an alternate approach
11
Fail the finale
If you fail the finale, you lose the game but others continue playing
12
Explorer mode
Play without time pressure or special events; focus on discovering the world and story
13
Challenger mode
Play with time pressure and difficult events; expect to replay scenarios multiple times to succeed

watch & Learn

Let the pros teach you with these top videos.

Destinies Community Editor - Ch.3 Character Creation #boardgames #boardgamegeek

Destinies Community Editor - Ch.3 Character Creation #boardgames #boardgamegeek

Instructional

Destinies Community Editor - Ch.4 Set Map & Object #boardgames #boardgamegeek

Destinies Community Editor - Ch.4 Set Map & Object #boardgames #boardgamegeek

Instructional

MORE VIDEOS

FULL rules

Looking for the full details? Grab the complete rulebook as a downloadable PDF.

Play Board Games Online

Explore breakout hits and fan favourites with no downloads, setup or paywalls. Just click and play.

Play Now

more GAMES LIKE THIS