From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Archaeology: The New Expedition?
Z-Man Games English rules, 2016 edition

The first player is the person who last put their feet in the sand.
Rule details
With the optional Beginner's Luck variant, the player whose four starting treasure cards have the lowest total trading value takes the first turn. If tied, the tied player who last put their feet in the sand starts.
Source & edition
- Archaeology: The New Expedition English rulesZ-Man Games · Playing the Game; Variants: Beginner's Luck · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 5, 12
Image: © F2Z Entertainment Inc. / Z-Man Games · Z-Man 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.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
Pirate LegendsThe last person to travel by water starts.
PyramidoWhoever last made a sand castle starts.
RebirthThe person who last visited Ireland starts.
RebirthThe person who last visited Scotland starts.
Indian SummerThe last person to have taken a stroll in the forest is the start player.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.