Scrye 16 - 46 - X-Files CCG: Feature - Rules
red level classified highly confidential
x-files rules
CLASSIFIED
Game Designer:
Ron Kent & Duncan Macdonell
Playtest Coordinators:
Andy Graumann & Mark Hinds
Playtester Web support:
Ryan Vener & Jesus Valdovinos
Project Manager: Randy Osuna
Rules: Andy Graumann
[Note: These rules have been
abridged for publication. Cards
shown are only prototypes.]
The X-Files
Collectible Card Game
Welcome to the X-Files Collectible
Card Game. The game you have just
purchased is designed to provide hours
of excitement and intrigue. Players will
find most aspects of the X-FILES televi-
sion program captured in the X-Files
Collectible Card Game.
x-files rules
CLASSIFIED
Game Designer:
Ron Kent & Duncan Macdonell
Playtest Coordinators:
Andy Graumann & Mark Hinds
Playtester Web support:
Ryan Vener & Jesus Valdovinos
Project Manager: Randy Osuna
Rules: Andy Graumann
[Note: These rules have been
abridged for publication. Cards
shown are only prototypes.]
The X-Files
Collectible Card Game
Welcome to the X-Files Collectible
Card Game. The game you have just
purchased is designed to provide hours
of excitement and intrigue. Players will
find most aspects of the X-FILES televi-
sion program captured in the X-Files
Collectible Card Game.
In the television series, a bizarre
event happens at an unusual location.
Shortly thereafter, Agents Fox Mulder
and Dana Scully appear at the scene to
investigate. With the aid of other agents,
civilians, and various equipment, Mulder
en and Scully attempt to solve the X-
Files. During their investigation,
the pair run into many different
types of barriers, including sinister
adversaries like the Cigarette-
Smoking Man and the Alien Bounty
Hunter, as well as other human and
unexplainable foes. These forces con-
spire to destroy evidence and hinder
investigation.
Similar to the series, your objec-
tive in the X-Files CCG is to identify
your opponent's X-File. To do this,
your Agents will use their skills to
investigate sites. The agents may be
further aided by helpful equipment,
witnesses, and events. You must also
protect the secrecy of your own X-File
by using adversaries, bluffs, and events
to thwart your opponent's investigation.
The X-Files Collectible Card Game
puts you in Fox and Dana's shoes. It
will be your deductive reasoning skills
that solve their current X-File.
event happens at an unusual location.
Shortly thereafter, Agents Fox Mulder
and Dana Scully appear at the scene to
investigate. With the aid of other agents,
civilians, and various equipment, Mulder
en and Scully attempt to solve the X-
Files. During their investigation,
the pair run into many different
types of barriers, including sinister
adversaries like the Cigarette-
Smoking Man and the Alien Bounty
Hunter, as well as other human and
unexplainable foes. These forces con-
spire to destroy evidence and hinder
investigation.
Similar to the series, your objec-
tive in the X-Files CCG is to identify
your opponent's X-File. To do this,
your Agents will use their skills to
investigate sites. The agents may be
further aided by helpful equipment,
witnesses, and events. You must also
protect the secrecy of your own X-File
by using adversaries, bluffs, and events
to thwart your opponent's investigation.
The X-Files Collectible Card Game
puts you in Fox and Dana's shoes. It
will be your deductive reasoning skills
that solve their current X-File.
Overview Of These Rules
The rules for the X-Files Collectible
Card Game are broken down into two
levels, the Basic Game and the
Advanced Game.
If you have never played
a CCG before, we recommend
that you begin play with the
Basic Game. The Basic Game
is designed to introduce you
to the X-Files CCG. These
rules will allow you to begin
play almost immediately.
They are quick and fun, but
lack some of the nuances of
the X-Files Advanced Game.
Most of the rules you will
learn in the Basic Game will
apply to the Advanced
Game.
The rules for the X-Files Collectible
Card Game are broken down into two
levels, the Basic Game and the
Advanced Game.
If you have never played
a CCG before, we recommend
that you begin play with the
Basic Game. The Basic Game
is designed to introduce you
to the X-Files CCG. These
rules will allow you to begin
play almost immediately.
They are quick and fun, but
lack some of the nuances of
the X-Files Advanced Game.
Most of the rules you will
learn in the Basic Game will
apply to the Advanced
Game.
If you are familiar with
gaming in general or CCGs
in particular, you may wish
to play the Advanced Game
immediately. The Advanced
Game will provide you with
the complete X-Files expe-
rience. You will have
greater control of Agents
and the ability to special-
ize in different areas. The
Advanced Game puts you
in control of investigating
an X-File.
Whichever game you choose to start
with, we welcome you to the fun and
excitement of the X-Files.
Object of the Game
Each player begins by selecting an
X-File. An X-File summarizes one of the
principal mysteries or opponents that
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully have dealt
with in their investigations. To win the
X-Files CCG, you must identify which X-
File your opponent selected. Once a
player has correctly determined which
X-File his opponent chose, he has won
the game.
gaming in general or CCGs
in particular, you may wish
to play the Advanced Game
immediately. The Advanced
Game will provide you with
the complete X-Files expe-
rience. You will have
greater control of Agents
and the ability to special-
ize in different areas. The
Advanced Game puts you
in control of investigating
an X-File.
Whichever game you choose to start
with, we welcome you to the fun and
excitement of the X-Files.
Object of the Game
Each player begins by selecting an
X-File. An X-File summarizes one of the
principal mysteries or opponents that
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully have dealt
with in their investigations. To win the
X-Files CCG, you must identify which X-
File your opponent selected. Once a
player has correctly determined which
X-File his opponent chose, he has won
the game.
In order to identify your opponent's
X-File, players select a team of Agents.
An Agent is the term used to describe
the many characters who aid in investi-
gating X-File cases. Agents are used to
Investigate mysteries at various Sites.
As the Agents successfully resolve Sites,
the player may ask his opponent ques-
tions about his X-File to gain additional
information. Through deductive reason-
ing, a player can determine who their
opponent's X-File is and thus win the
game.
Card Design
There are nine different suits of
cards for the X-Files CCG. Most of the
information contained on a card is com-
mon to all cards. The Common informa-
tion is:
-The name of the card.
-The type of card: This helps remind you
of the card's function.
-The Activator: Denotes when this card
may be played.
-The Keyword: Denotes what type of
cards may be used against the particular
card.
-The game effects: Explains the effect of
this card when played.
-The Cost: The amount it will cost in
Conspiracy or Resource Points to play
the card from your hand in an Advanced
Game.
-The Story Line: A brief quote or phrase
explaining the relationship between the
Card and the X-FILES Series.
X-File, players select a team of Agents.
An Agent is the term used to describe
the many characters who aid in investi-
gating X-File cases. Agents are used to
Investigate mysteries at various Sites.
As the Agents successfully resolve Sites,
the player may ask his opponent ques-
tions about his X-File to gain additional
information. Through deductive reason-
ing, a player can determine who their
opponent's X-File is and thus win the
game.
Card Design
There are nine different suits of
cards for the X-Files CCG. Most of the
information contained on a card is com-
mon to all cards. The Common informa-
tion is:
-The name of the card.
-The type of card: This helps remind you
of the card's function.
-The Activator: Denotes when this card
may be played.
-The Keyword: Denotes what type of
cards may be used against the particular
card.
-The game effects: Explains the effect of
this card when played.
-The Cost: The amount it will cost in
Conspiracy or Resource Points to play
the card from your hand in an Advanced
Game.
-The Story Line: A brief quote or phrase
explaining the relationship between the
Card and the X-FILES Series.
The Basic Game
Starting Play - 1
The Basic Game is designed for two
players. To begin play, each player will
need a 60-card X-Files Starter Deck.
Prior to starting a Basic Game, open your
Starter Decks and remove all cards
marked with an "A" in the lower right
corner. The "A" indicates advanced. These
cards will only be used in the Advanced
Game. Place the "A" cards aside as they
are not used in the Basic Game.
Separate the X-File and Agent cards
from the rest of your starter deck. Each
player selects one X-File. The X-File cho-
sen is set aside, face-down. Place this
card in a conspicuous place so that it
may be consulted during gameplay.
Place the other X-File cards aside, as
they are not used in the game.
After selecting the X-File, each player
must select a team of four Agents. The
four selected may be any Agent card
that the player owns. Each player may
select the same Agent without penalty.
Thus, both players may start the game
using Agent Fox Mulder. However, an
individual player may not use two cards
of the same Agent in their starting four.
Agents also contain text on their card
titled Game Effect. The Game Effect is
not used in the Basic Game.
Starting Play - 1
The Basic Game is designed for two
players. To begin play, each player will
need a 60-card X-Files Starter Deck.
Prior to starting a Basic Game, open your
Starter Decks and remove all cards
marked with an "A" in the lower right
corner. The "A" indicates advanced. These
cards will only be used in the Advanced
Game. Place the "A" cards aside as they
are not used in the Basic Game.
Separate the X-File and Agent cards
from the rest of your starter deck. Each
player selects one X-File. The X-File cho-
sen is set aside, face-down. Place this
card in a conspicuous place so that it
may be consulted during gameplay.
Place the other X-File cards aside, as
they are not used in the game.
After selecting the X-File, each player
must select a team of four Agents. The
four selected may be any Agent card
that the player owns. Each player may
select the same Agent without penalty.
Thus, both players may start the game
using Agent Fox Mulder. However, an
individual player may not use two cards
of the same Agent in their starting four.
Agents also contain text on their card
titled Game Effect. The Game Effect is
not used in the Basic Game.
Starting Play - 2
Each player then divides the surface
area on which he is playing into three
main Sections: the Bureau, the
Field, and the Hospital. The
Bureau should be to the left, the Field in
The center, and the Hospital to your
right. Your Bureau Deck should be
placed in the Bureau Section of the
table. Create a Discard Pile next to the
Bureau Deck. Cards will be place face-
up on this pile after they are used or
when you discard them. Each Section's
use will be further defined later in these
rules.
Each player then divides the surface
area on which he is playing into three
main Sections: the Bureau, the
Field, and the Hospital. The
Bureau should be to the left, the Field in
The center, and the Hospital to your
right. Your Bureau Deck should be
placed in the Bureau Section of the
table. Create a Discard Pile next to the
Bureau Deck. Cards will be place face-
up on this pile after they are used or
when you discard them. Each Section's
use will be further defined later in these
rules.
Starting Play - 3
After creating table sections, place
your four Agents face-up in the Bureau
section. Shuffle your remaining cards
and place them face-down in the Bureau
section. These cards become what is
referred to as your Bureau Deck. Have
the opponent cut your deck and deal
seven cards to yourself. Randomly
decide who will go first.
Two items that will aid you in game-
play are the X-File Notebook and tokens
used to track certain information. The
Notebook is included in Starter decks
and Booster packs. It lists all of the X-
Files and their characteristics. The
Notebook is used as a checklist when
you discover information during game-
play. Tokens are not included with the
game, but you may use any common
object. We have found that pennies,
beads, or some similar devices are ideal.
Summary
After creating table sections, place
your four Agents face-up in the Bureau
section. Shuffle your remaining cards
and place them face-down in the Bureau
section. These cards become what is
referred to as your Bureau Deck. Have
the opponent cut your deck and deal
seven cards to yourself. Randomly
decide who will go first.
Two items that will aid you in game-
play are the X-File Notebook and tokens
used to track certain information. The
Notebook is included in Starter decks
and Booster packs. It lists all of the X-
Files and their characteristics. The
Notebook is used as a checklist when
you discover information during game-
play. Tokens are not included with the
game, but you may use any common
object. We have found that pennies,
beads, or some similar devices are ideal.
Summary
1. Remove all cards with an A in the bot-
tom right corner.
2. Select an X-File.
3. Select a team of four Agents.
4. Divide your playing area into three
sections: the Field, the Bureau, and the
Hospital.
5. Shuffle, cut your cards, and deal out
seven.
6. Randomly decide who goes first.
Basic Game Turn Summary
Each turn is broken down into phases.
During each phase, players will be able
to perform specific actions. The follow-
ing is a summary of these phases. After
this summary, each phase will be
explained in detail. The player whose
turn it is will be referred to as the
Investigating Player. The other player is
referred to as the Directed Player. We
use the term Directed Player because
this player will often have a Site ques-
tion "directed" at him by the
Investigating Player.
tom right corner.
2. Select an X-File.
3. Select a team of four Agents.
4. Divide your playing area into three
sections: the Field, the Bureau, and the
Hospital.
5. Shuffle, cut your cards, and deal out
seven.
6. Randomly decide who goes first.
Basic Game Turn Summary
Each turn is broken down into phases.
During each phase, players will be able
to perform specific actions. The follow-
ing is a summary of these phases. After
this summary, each phase will be
explained in detail. The player whose
turn it is will be referred to as the
Investigating Player. The other player is
referred to as the Directed Player. We
use the term Directed Player because
this player will often have a Site ques-
tion "directed" at him by the
Investigating Player.
Briefing Phase: Both players draw cards
to bring their hand size to 10.
Healing Phase: Remove one token from
any Agents in the Hospital.
Requisition Phase: Equipment may be
assigned to any eligible Agent. Agents in
the same location may exchange
Equipment.
Deployment Phase: Agents may be
assigned to the Field, Bureau, or
Hospital.
Case Assignment Phase: The Investigating
Player may play one Site card.
Investigation Phase: Resolve Site:
a. Conduct the Skill Check listed on
the Site card.
b. Each player may play up to three
cards.
c. Resolve cards.
d. Determine if the prerequisite is
achieved after the card effects have
been resolved.
e. If the prerequisite is met, ask a
Characteristic question and/or guess the
X-File's identity.
f. Discard the Site card.
Debriefing Phase
You may discard up to three cards.
After the Debriefing Phase your
