From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Munchkin?

Steve Jackson Games English rules, version 1.8 (2019)

Decide who goes first by rolling the die (and, the rules joke, arguing about the results).

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

Rule details

When the first player finishes a turn, the player to the left takes a turn, and so on.

The game includes one six-sided die.

Our interpretation

The rules do not say whether high or low wins the roll; the instruction is deliberately tongue-in-cheek.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

Source & edition

All 5 Steve Jackson Games starting rules

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Games with a similar starting rule

  • OverbossChoose a first player. The rulebook recommends whoever most recently raised a full legion of undead; if nobody has, choose randomly.
  • Puerto RicoThe players choose a starting player by any method they like. That player takes the governor placard and a small indigo tile.
  • The FuzziesChoose a starting player. The rulebook suggests the fuzziest person among you.
  • Ticket to Ride: EuropeThe group chooses its own method for deciding who starts. Continue clockwise from that player.
  • VikingsPlayers choose a start player; the rules give no selection method.
More starting rules about letting the group decide

Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.