Who goes first in Santorini?
Roxley Games English rulebook, 2017 print
The youngest player is the Start Player. They place their two Workers first, and play begins with the Start Player.
Rule details
The other player(s) then place their Workers, and players take turns starting with the Start Player.
With God Powers, the Challenger (the most "god-like" player) picks the God Powers, everyone else chooses one clockwise, and the Challenger then chooses the Start Player, possibly themself.
In the 4-player team game, a team's first player places the Workers and the team's second player takes the first turn.
Source & edition
- Santorini: RulebookRoxley Games · Page 1, Setup step 3 and How to Play; page 2, God Power setup steps 3 and 7; page 6, 4 Players (Team Game) · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 1, 2, 6
Image: © Roxley Games / Spin Master / game box artist · Roxley Games / Spin Master (box image via Zatu 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
IngeniousThe youngest player begins. Play then proceeds clockwise.
SplendorGive the First Player marker to the youngest player. They take the first turn, and play continues clockwise.- MemoryThe players decide who begins: it could be the youngest, the smallest, the oldest. Play moves clockwise.
- The Game of LifeThe youngest player goes first, and play moves to the left.
- Monopoly Ultimate BankingThe youngest player starts, and play continues clockwise.
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