BOOM Patrol DELUXE: How the Cooperative Tank Game Works

Quick answer

BOOM Patrol DELUXE is a cooperative tank battle board game where you and your teammates control animal tank commanders, crush buildings, grab power-ups, and work together to defeat the enemy team. Here's how to set up and play your first match.

How to Play BOOM Patrol DELUXE: Step by Step

1. Set Up the Battlefield: Unfold the game board and place the plastic molded tokens for buildings, obstacles, and power-up locations. Each player chooses a holofoil tank and captain card. Shuffle the enemy AI deck and place the enemy tanks on their starting spaces. Make sure all tokens are within easy reach. A common mistake is forgetting to place power-up tokens before the game starts.
2. Understand Your Tank's Abilities: Each captain card gives your tank a unique special ability (e.g., extra movement, a stronger shot, or a defensive shield). Read your card aloud to the team so everyone knows what you can do. Abilities can be used once per round unless stated otherwise. Don't hoard your ability for the perfect moment. Using it early can turn the tide.
3. Take Turns in Player Order: Players act in a fixed order (usually clockwise). On your turn, you can move up to your tank's speed value, then perform one action: shoot at an enemy tank, use a power-up, or activate your special ability. After your action, the enemy AI activates one of its tanks based on a card draw. Plan your move before your turn starts. The enemy can react unpredictably, so have a backup plan.
4. Use Power-Ups Wisely: When you move onto a power-up token, draw a card from the power-up deck. Power-ups include things like extra damage, temporary invincibility, or a one-time repair. You can hold up to two power-ups at a time. Play a power-up at any point during your turn (even after rolling dice). Coordinate with teammates before using area-effect power-ups so you don't accidentally hit each other.
5. Fight the Enemy AI: The enemy AI deck determines which enemy tank moves and attacks each round. The AI always targets the nearest player tank. When an enemy tank is destroyed, remove it from the board and draw a new AI card to see if a reinforcement appears. The game ends when all enemy tanks are destroyed (win) or all player tanks are destroyed (loss). Focus fire on one enemy tank at a time. Spreading damage across multiple tanks lets the AI keep attacking at full strength.

Product Facts

• BOOM Patrol DELUXE: This DELUXE version of BOOM Patrol comes with holofoil tanks and captains, plastic molded tokens, and more. The upgraded components make it easier to distinguish tanks at a glance and add a premium feel to the cooperative experience.