From the source rules

Who goes first in The Fox Experiment?

Pandasaurus Games English updated rules, copyright 2023

The Fox Experiment box cover

Give the first turn-order token to whoever has the friendliest pet, or choose that player randomly. Assign the remaining tokens clockwise.

Rule details

The first Selection phase follows the assigned turn-order tokens. Breeding and Research normally happen simultaneously.

With two human players, the automated opponent receives the third turn-order token. In solo play, it receives the second token.

Later rounds may use a different turn order; clockwise order applies to the opening round.

Source & edition

  • The Fox Experiment: Pandasaurus Games rulesPandasaurus Games · Player Setup step 3; Selection phase; Two-Player and Solo setup; PDF pages 6, 8, 24, 28 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 6, 8, 24, 28Cited PDF pages: 6, 8, 24, 28
All 15 Pandasaurus Games starting rules

Image: © Pandasaurus Games (publisher) · Pandasaurus 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 rules

Games with a similar starting rule

More starting rules about animals

Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools

Embed this answer on your site

Copy this HTML into a blog post, forum or game café page. It’s plain text with a link back to this rule, so it works almost anywhere. More embed options

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