Home / Board Games / How to Set Up Risk Game: Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Set Up Risk Game: Step-by-Step Instructions

Risk is a strategy board game that has entertained people for decades. It challenges players to conquer territories, develop strategies, and engage in fierce battles. The truth is, you can’t start to play if you don’t know how to set up Risk game.

But don’t worry! This article covers the game setting and the components you’ll need. Next time you host a game night, you’ll know how to set the game and keep your focus on the strategies.

Remember, countries are waiting to be conquered!

How to Set Up Risk Game

How to Set Up Risk Game: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you are new to this game, why waste time reading the manual multiple times when you have our guide?

Long story short, here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to set up a Risk game. If you want to play Risk online, you can check out our dedicated page for Risk.

  1. Gather the game components

Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have all the necessary components. The basic requirements for playing Risk include:

Game board

The game board is the centerpiece of Risk, depicting a world map divided into territories. It showcases the continents, their respective territories, and the connecting borders. 

It is a map with six continents divided into 42 territories. Each continent is marked with a different color and has 4 to 12 territories.

Armies and cards

Each player requires a set of colored army figures representing their forces. You will also need a set of Risk cards, including territories, mission cards, armies, and five dice.

To be more precise, you’ll need six sets of armies, each containing three types:

  • Infantry – 1 army
  • Cavalry – 5 armies (infantries)
  • Artillery – 10 infantries or two cavalries

Rulebook

This is a strategic game, so it’s better to be familiar with the rules. The rulebook will provide detailed instructions on gameplay, reinforcements, attacking, and fortifying.

Risk Game Components
  1. Choose the number of players

Risk can be played with 2 to 6 players. Determine the number of participants and ensure everyone knows the game’s rules and duration. 

Remember that more players can make the game more challenging and strategic, but it can also lengthen the playing time.

  1. Assign territories and place armies

To start the game, every player should roll the dice; the one with the highest number goes first. After that, everyone picks a color. Players take turns selecting territories on the board.

This process continues until all territories are claimed. The number of territories each player initially receives depends on the number of players. For instance:

  • In a 3-player game, each player receives 35 armies
  • In a 4-player game, each player receives 30 armies 
  • In a 5-player game, each player receives 25 armies 
  • In a 6-player game, each player receives 20 armies 

Beginning with the first player, they place one army figure on a territory they own until all players have placed their armies. This process repeats until all armies have been deployed.

  1. Distribute risk cards

After armies have been placed, the Risk cards come into play. Shuffle the deck of Risk cards and deal them face-down to all players. 

The number of cards each player receives depends on how many participants play. If there are six players, each receives four cards; in a two-player game, each player receives nine.

  1. Prepare the remaining components

Ensure that all players have access to their armies and a clear understanding of the rules. Arrange the remaining Risk cards and the dice within reach of all players.

  1. Understand turn sequence and gameplay

Risk is played in turns, each player following a sequence: reinforcements, attack, and fortify. 

  • Reinforcements are received at the beginning of each turn and are determined by the number of territories owned, continents controlled, and exchange of Risk cards.
  • During the attack phase, players can initiate battles against opponents to gain control of territories. Dice rolls and strategic decisions determine the outcome of these battles. 
  • Fortifying involves moving armies from one territory to another to strengthen defenses.
  1. Let the game begin 

It’s time to start the game once all the setup steps are complete. The first player takes their turn, following the sequence of play. 

If you host the game night, don’t forget to encourage players to think strategically, form alliances, and make calculated decisions to increase their chances of success.

For further instructions, here is a video explaining how to play a Risk game.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to set up Risk game, you understand that this board game requires careful organization and attention to detail. 

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth gaming experience for all players. Remember to familiarize yourself with the rules, assign territories, distribute armies, and understand the turn sequence. 

As the game progresses, players will start to rethink their strategies and moves, so don’t be surprised if you have lots of fun!

Good luck!