From the source rules
Who goes first in In the Footsteps of Darwin?
English Sorry We Are French rules
Whoever traveled by ship most recently takes the Darwin token and starts. If nobody has traveled by ship, the rulebook lets the group use its preferred way of choosing a first player.
Source & edition
- In the Footsteps of Darwin: Sorry We Are French rulesSorry We Are French · Setup, step 2; PDF pages 4 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 4Cited PDF pages: 4
Image: © Sorry We Are French and any cover-art licensors or artists (precise ownership not stated on product page) · Sorry We Are French
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
IwariWhoever traveled most recently takes the first turn.
Walking in BuranoThe player who most recently traveled abroad starts. The rules also permit choosing a random starter.
Expeditions: Around the WorldThe player who most recently traveled abroad goes first.
TrainsThe player who most recently traveled by train starts.
Switch & SignalThe person who most recently had to wait for a train is the first active player. If nobody has had to wait for one, the group decides who starts.
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