Who goes first in The Ancient World?
English second-edition rulebook, ©2019 Red Raven Games
Whoever most recently won a game takes the first turn. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
Rule details
Give that player the first-player token. After the Prepare phase, players take one action per turn clockwise until everyone has passed.
Everyone starts with six coins. In turn order, the second player receives one extra coin; the third and fourth receive two extra coins each.
This answer covers the second edition. Its optional variants that evoke the first edition do not establish the original edition's starting rule.
Source & edition
- The Ancient World: Red Raven Games rulesRed Raven Games · Second Edition cover; Setup step 10; Game Round and Player Actions; End of Round; Variants; credits · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20Cited PDF pages: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20
Image: © Red Raven Games; Ryan Laukat · Red Raven Games
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
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Games with a similar starting rule
Burgle Bros 2: The Casino CapersWhoever most recently gambled starts. The rules also allow choosing the first player randomly.
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WormholesThe player who most recently went through a doorway starts. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
HookyThe person most recently in a classroom starts. The rules also allow choosing a starter randomly.
Dawn of PeacemakersWhoever most recently avoided a conflict starts. The campaign rules also allow choosing the starter randomly.
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